Numerous South Coast rugby league talents played pivotal roles in helping their respective sides chalk up wins during week one of the 2021 NRL finals.
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The weekend kicked off at Sunshine Coast Stadium, as the Storm easily dispatched the Sea Eagles, to book their spot in the preliminary finals.
During the win, Bega's Dale Finucane made 16 runs from 122 metres, 18 tackles, three line breaks and one offload in 62 minutes of action.
While Gerringong's Reuben Garrick made 72 metres from his nine runs, made one offload and line break and landed two conversions for Manly-Warringah - to take his 2021 tally to 308 points.
Then on Saturday, Albion Park-Oak Flats' Drew Hutchison and Kiama's Josh Morris both had strong performances in the Roosters' 25-24 win against the Titans - coached by former Milton-Ulladulla Bulldog Justin Holbrook.
Hutchison made 12 runs for 97 metres and gained 340 metres for his side from his 10 kicks, while Morris recorded 83 metres from his seven runs, while also adding two tackle-breaks, one try, one try assist, one line-break and one line-break assist.
In the loss, Kiama's Mitch Rein produced 26 tackles, seven runs for 52 metres and one tackle-break.
Later that night, also at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, South Sydney downed Penrith 16-10, thanks to four tackle-breaks, one try, one line-break and one line-break assist from Nowra-born Cody Walker.
The four-game slate wrapped up at Rockhampton on Sunday, with the Eels edging the Knights 28-20, seeing Brad Arthur get one over his former Batemans Bay Tiger teammate Adam O'Brien.
These results mean both Gold Coast and Newcastle can look to 2022, while the Sea Eagles and Roosters will face off on Friday and Panthers and Eels on Saturday - with the Rabbitohs and Storm awaiting the respective winners.