So when he rates current Penrith No7 Luke Walsh as ''one of the smartest players I've come across'', you sit up and take notice.

Walsh limped off with an ankle injury against the Bulldogs in round 25 and missed Penrith's final round victory over Cronulla.

However, the 23-year-old has responded well to treatment and has been named in the Panther's line-up to take on the Raiders in a qualifying final at CUA Stadium tomorrow night.

Walsh trained strongly on Wednesday and Alexander was adamant Walsh's presence was crucial to the Panther's title hopes.

''I think Walshy is the key to us winning this game, as long as he's fit,'' Alexander said.

''He can be the difference between the two sides no doubt. He has the ability to dominate a game.

''He's a smart footballer, as smart as I've come across.

''If he can have a big finals series, I think Penrith can have a really big crack at the premiership.''

Penrith comfortably leads the NRL in most tries scored off kicks, thanks largely to Walsh's outstanding kicking game which Alexander rates arguably the best in the competition.

The 1985 Dally M winner is well positioned to offer his opinion, given he has mentored Penrith's kickers the past few seasons and was one of the better kickers in the game during his career.

''He is an unbelievable kicker of the footy. I've worked with him all year and I haven't really needed to show him anything,'' Alexander said.

''Luke's got all the kicks grubbers, short up and unders, bombs he's a real talent.''

While Alexander was lavish in his praise of Walsh, he also has plenty of time for the man he will try to outpoint tonight, Raiders halfback Josh McCrone.

''Josh has been under pressure to hold his spot when Canberra wanted to sign someone else, so he has been through a range of emotions this year,'' Alexander said.

''During the good run Canberra has been on his form has been really good, taking pressure off Campo and getting involved in the game.''