BY CURTIS WOODWARD

@woodward_curtis

The hype continues to build as we head toward a monumentally historic weekend for the National Rugby League with an opening round double header in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Can you believe it?!

Sin City, baby!

With all the glitz, glamour and the bright lights, it’s easy to forget that we have two games to play.

Yes, much has been made of the smaller dimensions of the Allegiant Stadium field.

But how much of a factor will it really play?

Probably a little.

Maybe a lot.

What we know for sure is that it will bring the big men right back into the respective games.

Who says you can’t have an 80 minute ‘softening up’ period?

Here are ten of the most important forwards to run out this weekend in Las Vegas.

10 SPENCER LENIU (ROOSTERS)
POSITION: FRONT ROW
WEIGHT: 253 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT

Leniu will make his Roosters debut this weekend after switching from the all-conquering Panthers and immediately becomes the leader of the Chooks forward pack with veteran tyro Jared Waerea-Hargreaves on the sidelines.

9 BRANDON SMITH (ROOSTERS)
POSITION: HOOKER
WEIGHT: 220 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 5 FT 9

Wasn’t the best debut season for the Kiwi International at Bondi after leaving the Melbourne Storm but you sense the dimensions and conditions are going to suit Smith in the middle of the field this weekend.

8 HAUMOLE OLAKAU’ATU (SEA EAGLES)
POSITION: SECOND ROW
WEIGHT: 260 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT 4

Several destructive edge runners could have taken this spot or found themselves on the list but we went with “the scariest man in rugby league” as once dubbed by captain Daly Cherry-Evans. Other second rowers missed out due to the condensed field but with limited chances, Olakau’atu could prove the difference if he can get one over counterparts Keaon Koloamatangi and Jai Arrow.

7 TEVITA TATOLA (RABBITOHS)
POSITION: FRONT ROW
WEIGHT: 250 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FOOT

Makes the list as the most important starting prop in the Rabbitohs versus Eagles clash. Tatola has the opportunity to get South Sydney on the front foot in the opening twenty minutes but will have his hands full against Taniela Paseka and Josh Aloiai.

6 TOM BURGESS (RABBITOHS)
POSITION: FRONT ROW
WEIGHT: 280 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT 4

The English veteran makes the list for his potential punch and impact from the bench and the same reason his teammate Tatola above him got the nod from the starting pack.

5 PAT CARRIGAN (BRONCOS)
POSITION: LOCK
WEIGHT: 230 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT 2

One of the best players to run onto Allegiant Stadium this weekend in Last Vegas. Has all the tools on both sides of the ball and can play as smart or as tough as he needs to.

4 JAKE TRBOJEVIC (SEA EAGLES)
POSITION: LOCK
WEIGHT: 240 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FOOT

Jake Turbo will be like the proverbial pig in you know what when Manly run out to play the Bunnies and he might still be out there running around by the time the Roosters and Broncos roll out a little later in the day. His technique defensively in-tight and ability to ball-play close to the line could lead the Eagles to an upset victory in Vegas.

3 DAMIEN COOK (RABBITOHS)
POSITION: HOOKER
WEIGHT: 195 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 5 FT 9

Makes the list as high as he does due to his speed and support play through the ruck. Chances may be limited but they will come and Cook will be there pushing up behind Cam Murray, Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.

2 PAYNE HAAS (BRONCOS)
POSITION: PROP
WEIGHT: 265 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT 3

Arguably the best prop forward on the planet and will love the tough stuff in front of the American fans.

1 CAMERON MURRAY (RABBITOHS)
POSITION: LOCK
WEIGHT: 215 POUNDS
HEIGHT: 6 FT

The South Sydney skipper is the prototype forward for a rugby league game on an NFL field. Standing just 184 centremetres, the lock can play on an edge but far more dangerous through the ruck, rushing through into the back field in support or with ball-in-hand.

@woodward_curtis