With the upcoming season looming ever nearer, more and more people are putting their necks on the line with brash predictions for the Super League opener between Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves.
While both teams possess numerous superstars that will undoubtedly play key roles, it could well be the influence of one of the unsung heroes in either team that could ultimately prove pivotal in securing victory.
You only have to look at the scorer of the winning try in last year’s Grand Final, Josh Walters, to prove that anyone could step up on the big stage.
The opening game of the season provides an opportunity for someone to assert their intentions for the year, but who?
Here are four players that could have the desired impact tonight.
Joel Moon (Leeds Rhinos – centre)
Zak Hardaker, Ryan Hall and Kallum Watkins inevitably pose a great threat to any defensive line, but Warrington can’t afford to neglect the abilities of Moon.
The 27-year-old has played an integral role at left centre since his arrival at the club and is pivotal in Leeds’ attacking play.
With Brett Ferres likely to be inside of him, Moon is going to have more firepower than even when it comes to his offensive game.
Ben Currie (Warrington Wolves – second-row)
At the young age of 21, Currie has had quite the career so far. Already an international for Ireland and playing a more prominent role in the Warrington team last year, it’s gone to plan so far.
Many are tipping Currie to really make a name for himself in 2016 and if his pre-season performances are anything to go by that could well be the case after being named man of the match in the Wolves’ pre-season mauling of Leigh.
His deceptive talents make him a threat alongside back-row partner Jack Hughes, and with plenty of supply expected from Chris Sandow and Kurt Gidley, Currie could make a name for himself tonight.
Brad Singleton (Leeds Rhinos – prop)
Inevitably, with Jamie Peacock and Kylie Leuluai now gone, someone needs to step up to fill the void.
Their departures have handed Singleton the perfect opportunity to build on a solid year in 2015 in which his influence in the team increased.
His work rate is likely to be vital, and while he might go unnoticed, his battle down the middle of the park will have a big impact on the outcome of the game.
Brad Dwyer (Warrington Wolves – hooker)
Brad Dwyer (Warrington Wolves – hooker)Dwyer surprised everyone last year when he returned from a loan spell at London and put in a number of superb performances.
Playing alongside Daryl Clark, 22-year-old Dwyer is a young talent with bags of potential and his distribution will be important to the Wolves tonight.