Rugby League World Cup 2013: Top Candidates for Player of the Tournament

This year's Rugby League World Cup called together 14 of the sport's best and brightest nations, with more than 300 players taking to Europe in an attempt to inspire their teams to glory.

Five weeks later, only Australia and New Zealand remain in with a chance of taking home the main prize at stake, but that doesn't mean all the silverware is accounted for.

Some stars have gone above and beyond over the last five weeks, dazzling more than others, whether it be as a result of their scoring exploits, staunch defence or precise playmaking.

Although Saturday's Old Trafford final promises to influence who comes out on top of the poll, the following candidates can all be considered for the Player of the Tournament award based on their fine work thus far in the competition.

Johnathan Thurston

One of those players whose leadership values will undoubtedly make him a contender for Man of the Match in Saturday's climax should Australia emerge victorious is the evergreen Johnathan Thurston.

Thurston is one of the survivors from the Kangaroos' unsuccessful campaign five years ago and is well on his way to making up for past mistakes, currently averaging 20 points per game.

One of the premier stand-offs in the tournament, a lot of the veteran's success this weekend will rest on whether or not Thurston manages to get the beating of his opposite number Shaun Johnson.

With 60 points to his name already, Thurston has been as reliable as ever from the boot but has also been the attacking catalyst that Australia have needed in midfield, combining his playmaking abilities with some staunch defensive prowess to be one of the competition's biggest attractions.

Sonny Bill Williams 

Having just been named International Rugby League Player of the Year, Sonny Bill Williams will head into Saturday's final with as much motivation to go above and beyond this weekend as anyone on the field.

In the last five weeks, the Sydney Roosters star hasn't crossed over the whitewash as often as some of those around him, but it's because of Williams' tireless work in taking the ball up that his teammates prosper.

As far as flash goes, there's few in the business who could claim to possess as much potential to make something out of nothing as the former All Black, as has been shown magnificently of late.

Williams now needs to continue doing what he's done all season, but more of a defensive effort is likely to be required if the Kangaroos' tide is to be restricted.

Greg Inglis

Thurston's partner in crime when both are playing in their preferred positions, Greg Inglis has been one of the most prominent members of Australia's Rugby League World Cup in recent weeks, even filling in at full-back in the absence of Billy Slater when needed.

One of the most talented NRL stars in this year's competition, Inglis may have only two tries to his name from his last four international outings, but is a candidate for end-of-tournament honours thanks to his ability to raise the prospects of those around him.

Like Williams, the 26-year-old has been the launching platform for his side in midfield, albeit doing so with slightly more finesse and technical edge than his Kiwis counterpart.

Having been rested for the encounter with Ireland, Inglis has been present for his nation's most important fixtures, showing his destructive potential against England at the Millennium Stadium, where it was his work in the centre that set the standard for a Kangaroos win.