Francis Molo and Jeremy Marshall-King are set to make their long-awaited NRL finals debuts after extensive careers, ending finals droughts that have spanned 174 and 167 games respectively. Both players will experience the intensity and pressure of playoff competition for the first time when they take the field.

In comparison, Alex Twal holds the longest ongoing finals absence among current players, having not appeared in postseason play through 181 NRL matches since his debut. Meanwhile, Braidon Burns is also approaching a career milestone, set to play his 100th NRL game, which will likewise mark his first appearance in a finals fixture.

These milestones highlight the perseverance and consistency required for players to reach the NRL finals, underscoring the competitive nature of the league and the challenges teams face in advancing through the playoff stages.