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2019 Karyn Murphy Medal: NRL.com experts have their say

Who will win the 2019 Karen Murphy Medal after being judged the best player in the NRLW grand final? Will it be a big-name star or can a lesser light make the big stage their own.

The experts at NRL.com have their say on who which team will be celebrating on Sunday night.

NRL.com experts view

Steve Renouf (Maroons legend)

Ali Brigginshaw is a great leader for the Broncos in her own right and I expect her cool head to lead Brisbane to victory. She's a big-game player as she showed in the 2017 World Cup final for the Jillaroos. She will save her best for this game and dominate.

Brett Kimmorley (Former NSW halfback)

Ali Brigginshaw. She will the game organiser, the kicker, the captain and the star. She a wonderful player and I expect her to be at her best.

Jamie Soward (Premiership winner)

Ali Brigginshaw. To put it simply, she's the best No.7 in the game and we all know halves can win teams grand finals. If she's on, the Dragons are going to find life very difficult.

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Alicia Newton (NRL.com reporter)

If the Dragons create the upset I think a player like Botille Vette-Welsh will play a huge part. She’s been at her weaving best at fullback with 15 tackle busts and is always around the ball.

Margie McDonald (NRL.com senior reporter)

Holli Wheeler. I love a good lock, who is tireless and a terrific team-payer. Holli was NSW coach Andrew Patmore's pick as best on field in the Origin win back in June, and she hasn't stopped testing defences since.

Zac Bailey (NRL.com reporter)

Brittany Breayley. Last year's Dally M medallist will have to be at her best against her former club. If she rediscovers the form that won her last year's highest honour it'll go a long way to helping the Dragons winning their first premiership and Breayley the Karyn Murphy medal.

Michael Chammas (NRL.com chief reporter)

Jess Sergis is making huge inroads into taking over from Isabelle Kelly as the premier centre in the game. She was outstanding against the Roosters last week and will be a huge threat to the Brisbane defence in the decider.

Chris Kennedy (NRL.com reporter)

Having tipped the Broncos for the win I'm leaning towards either the game's best playmaker Ali Brigginshaw or its most impressive young forward Millie Boyle. Given her class and wealth of experience let's say Brigginshaw.

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Dan Walsh (NRL.com reporter)

Millie Boyle. Good props are worth their weight in gold in grand finals. Boyle has averaged more than 100m per game and is making her tackle at a 90 per cent efficiency rate. If she dominates the middle third of the field Brisbane will be hard to beat.

Brad Walter (NRL.com senior reporter)

Maddie Studdon. The Dragons halfback grew up around the game and will be determined to make up for last year after being left out of the Roosters grand final game. Her kicking game and organising skills will be vital to St George Illawarra’s hopes of winning.  

Joel Gould (NRL.com reporter)

Dragons hooker Brittany Breayley will be keen for a big game against her former club and she knows how to deliver on the big stage. Breayley is one of the best defenders in the game but it is her ability to read the game and astute passing and support play that will prove decisive in the decider.

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Paul Suttor (NRL.com editor)

Jess Sergis was the difference with a two-try haul when St George Illawarra advanced to the grand final by beating the Roosters and the Jillaroos centre has the firepower to cause plenty of headaches for Brisbane's defenders.

Mary Konstantopoulos (Ladies Who League)

Jessica Sergis continues to remind us all why she is one of the most exciting young talents in the game. She was the difference in the game against the Roosters, making a whopping 213 run metres, scoring two tries and certainly had the edge over Isabelle Kelly. She'll have a repeat performance on the weekend.

Brett Keeble (NRL.com reporter)

Maddie Studdon of the Dragons will prove the difference, winning the game with a field goal.

Maria Tsialis (Big League editor)

Ali Brigginshaw is the main attacking weapon for the Broncos and she'll have a big say in the result.

Tanisha Stanton (NRL.com reporter)

Jess Sergis will be the difference for the Dragons on Sunday. St George Illawarra will be looking to redeem themselves after the Broncos got one up on them in the opening round. Sergis will provide them with try-scoring opportunities.

Lone Scout (NRL Fantasy expert)

Ali Brigginshaw is the best playmaker in the NRLW, having led the league in line-break assists in both seasons of the competition, and is the most likely to break the game open for the Broncos on Sunday.

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Troy Whittaker (NRL.com reporter)

Botille Vette-Welsh. Stepping into the Dragons No.1 jersey this year, Vette-Welsh has been sensational. A metre-eater who troubled the Broncos last time, the fullback could be the game-breaker

Tony Webeck (NRL.com reporter)

Experienced, tough and skillful. When it comes to the pressure of a grand final, players such as Rona Peters come to the fore and she will be heavily involved in what the Broncos accomplish at both ends of the field. Don't be surprised to see her snare the match-winner.

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Corey Rosser (NRL.com reporter)

Maitua Feterika has been a colossal force in the middle for the Dragons this year, and it'll be up to her to win the battle against Brisbane's starting props Millie Boyle​ and Amber Hall. Averaging 157 metres this year, Feterika's primed for a big game. 

Kenny Scott (NRL.com podcaster)

Ali Brigginshaw has owned this season when it comes to match-defining plays, both in defence and attack. With the season of the line she will stand tallest and her leadership under pressure will ensure she gets the medal this year.

 

The views in this article do not necessarily express the opinions of the NRL, ARLC, NRL clubs or state associations.

Acknowledgement of Country

St George Illawarra Dragons respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders peoples, where our games are played, our programs are conducted and in the communities we support.

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