PLAYERS WHO SHOULD JOIN THE NRL’S ILLUSTRIOUS 300 CLUB IN SEASON 2018

Johnathan Thurston – 299 games

After succumbing to a shoulder injury in Origin II, Thurston missed the back half of the season, leaving him on 299 games. Expect a massive milestone celebration when the North Queensland Cowboys take on the Cronulla Sharks at home in round one. Thurston’s impending retirement will be a big motivation for the Cowboys next year as he seeks to go out a three-time premiership winner.

Billy Slater – 299 games

Credited with changing the way the game is played, Slater will bring up his 300th against Canterbury in Perth in the first match of the new season. After two years on the sidelines due to back-to-back shoulder reconstructions, he almost didn’t make his 300th. Will put his hand up for representative football in 2018 and could play on in 2019.

John Sutton – 283 games

The heartbeat of South Sydney. A local junior, he has already played the most games for the foundation club — well ahead of Nathan Merritt on 218. Barring injury or unforeseen circumstances, Sutton will become the first player to rack up 300 games in the famous cardinal and myrtle late in the season. At 33, it could be his last season in the NRL.

Simon Mannering – 280 games

Not the most talented player in the competition but possibly the hardest working. Made 923 tackles last year, the third most in the competition. With the Warriors having not made the top eight since 2011, shares the record for active players with most games played since last finals appearance. At 31, deserves one more finals campaign before hanging up his boots.

Sam Thaiday – 279 games

Sits third on Brisbane’s record games list and has announced 2018 will be his last season. His form has waned over the past 12 months and he was dropped from both the Queensland and Australia sides. After 29 Origins and 32 Tests, the former Broncos captain will be remembered as one of the club’s greats.