A sports addict like myself looks forward to the month of September like a tax accountant counts down the days until August.

Footy finals.

It’s when six months – longer if you count pre-season training – can come down to one missed tackle, an errant shot at goal, or an umpire or referee blunder.

It’s sporting theatre at its very best.

Naturally, each club’s star players will shoulder their fair share of pressure to perform, but often it’s an unheralded player that can make all the difference.

Just ask former Raiders forward Paul Osborne, who played an absolute blinder in Canberra’s 1994 grand final win over Canterbury after coming in late to replace the suspended John Lomax.

Here are the lower-profile players I believe can provide that necessary spark for each premiership contender in the remaining NRL games:

Melbourne: Will Chambers – the winger looks a handy type when he has been given his chance, thanks to injuries to Matt King and Steve Turner. If that pair isn’t back for the start of the finals, the youngster will no doubt be targeted by opposition kickers with plenty of high balls.

Manly: Glenn Stewart – he doesn’t enjoy the high profile of younger brother Brett, but the second-rower has been outstanding this year and gives the Sea Eagles another attacking dimension with his strong hole running and ball-playing skills.

Parramatta: Feleti Mateo – the lock has been tremendous for the Eels and his creativeness perfectly complements the no-frills work ethic of Parra’s pack, led by the Hindmarsh brothers.

<bWarriors: Epalahame Lauaki – anyone who watched the explosive interchange forward’s brilliant two-try performance in the Kiwis’ epic draw against the Roosters a fortnight ago won’t argue with this selection.

North Qld: Ray Cashmere – with Luke O’Donnell, Sione Faumuina, Shane Tronc and Steve Southern currently sidelined, the big prop needs to step up in their absence.

Bulldogs: Nick Kouparitsas – another ball-playing lock in the Mateo mould who may slip under the radar in the finals with the likes of Willie Mason, Sonny Bill Williams, Mark O’Meley and Andrew Ryan also in the Dogs’ pack.

Bring it on!