The NRL Grand Final Thread

[THE RED ROOSTER]

The NRL Grand Final Thread.  As Frank Sinatra used to warble “and now I face the final curtain”.

While on singers, I am getting on in years but can one of you younglings tell me who Teddy Swims is? I know Snoop Dogg and the Doggfather rocked the AFL Final  Has the NRL booked a 2^nd rate replacement?.

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm

As expected, Brisbane adds Patrick Carrigan to their starting XIII with Tyson Smoothy benched. Xavier Willison following the recent judiciary trend for fines rather than suspension when it comes to the finals, for his cannonball tackle last week. Though Super League seems to be following a similar trend with Lachlan Lamb.

Melbourne retains the same starting XIII from last week.

I cannot help but agree with Cooper Cronk that Brisbane are fortunate to be in this Grand Final. There were a number of refereeing decisions that went in their favour against both Ricky’s Raiders and the Penny Panthers and in both games the Raiders and the Panthers early in the second half had opportunities to score the go ahead try to ice the game. Granted that the Bronx defended well but their season hung by a thread at the time.

By contrast, Melbourne Storm aimed up against Cronulla, Now with Jahrome Hughes they are as I have posted a different beast altogether what was significant is the way in which the side responded with Munster and Papenhuyzen stepping up a gear. With Hayy Grant ‘s left shift in the closing minutes being the coup de grace in the game. Cronulla did not play badly in the game but they and I expected to see the Melbourne of previous weeks but again to paraphrase a Cooper Cronk quote this time about Nicho Hynes he was Ok, but you need to play more than Ok against this Melbourne side.

The other key thing about Melbourne is the number of lesser heralded players that play a key role in this side. Away from the “Fab Four” and Xavier Coates. You have Nicky Meaney a utility player who seems to fi seamlessly wherever he plays in the side. Wiliam Warbrick a reliable winger who contributes as much as Coates but less spectacularly and Stefano Utoikamanu an impact forward who can stay out of the sinbin. He and Trent Loiero’s performance against the Brisbane pack may set the tone for the game.

In contrast, have there ever been a more unlovable bunch of reprobates than the Brisbane Broncos, a team with quite a few players with “form” on and off the field of play. If a side like that wins a grand final it could well send an “it’s all right, then” message to youth.

It’s often stated that the broadcast deal depends a lot on having a strong Queensland representation and a Friday night game featuring a Queensland Club normally the Bronx with eyeballs glued to the TV screen.

There is also an argument being deployed that a Bronx Grand Final win is needed to stem the advance of AFL in Queensland due to the Brisbane Lions but surely league fans in Queensland are not that fickle.

Brisbane and Melbourne at 1-1 this season, Storm winning 22-2 at AAMI park and the Broncos 30-14 at Suncorp.

Grant Atkins is the Grand final referee, with the NRL preferring a free-flowing game for its showpiece final as opposed Ashley Klein’s penalty laden performances.

Played a Sydney Olympic Park so ostensibly a neutral venue but I would be surprised if there were not more Queenslanders than Victorians present.

Arguments for the Storm

• If you are into Rugby League Metrics there a few categories in which the Bronx are ahead of the Storm.
• Melbourne has the edge overall in the series winning 34 out of 40 clashes and 17 of the last 19 meetings between the two. As the sides have split the series this year. There is no streak to break.
• Craig Bellamy – Master Coach
• It was not much of a factor against Cronulla, but Melbourne may well kick to the corners for Coates and Warbrick with more success against Karapani and Mariner.
• Adam Reynolds is not just playing on old legs but a dodgy hamstring as is Ezra Mam. Losing either or both will impact on the Bronx.
• Attitude and preparation count you can bet a Bellamy side has both can you say the same for the Bronx with rumours of discontent mid-season about training methods.

Arguments for the Broncos

•  The Bronx will be depending in Paas, Carrigan and Willison ensuring forward dominance over the Storm and build a platform for Reynolds and Walsh.
• Brisbane remains a side of individuals relying on Reece Walsh, Kotoni Staggs, Adam Reynolds, Ezra Mam and Payne Haas to provide a moment of inspiration to spark the Bronx into life
• Jahrome Hughes arm stood up to the test against the Sharks, but should he be injured early on and off the field it’s a gamechanger. Expect the Broncos forwards to target him.
• Ben Hunt, I always liked him when he played for SGI and although he has not as yet fired for the Broncos could the big stage be his big day.
• Lady Luck has taken up residence at Red Hill. Sometimes a club has its name on the trophy regardless of the merits of the opposition. Things just fall their way as seems to be the case for Brisbane.

Verdict – Melbourne Storm

Edited October 2 by THE RED ROOSTER

[Spotty Herbert]

Excellent summary as ever. Thank you for kicking these threads off all season, it's much appreciated.

[Graham]

Great as ever TTR.
Thanks especially for your regular thread that’s always interesting, informative and entertaining. The prospect of the forthcoming games and your knowledgeable views on likely outcomes have become an established important element to the TRLARL forum.

I’ve enjoyed the contributions of yourself and of course so many other good folk on this forum yet again in 2025. 
 

Here’s to another great season in 2026.

… and thanks again

 

 

[George Watt]

7 hours ago, Graham said:

Great as ever TTR.
Thanks especially for your regular thread that’s always interesting, informative and entertaining. The prospect of the forthcoming games and your knowledgeable views on likely outcomes have become an established important element to the TRLARL forum.

I’ve enjoyed the contributions of yourself and of course so many other good folk on this forum yet again in 2025. 
 

Here’s to another great season in 2026.

… and thanks again

 

 

Seconded from me TRR with more thanks!

I am with you on your Storm prediction. Have found it difficult to win a GF since the big 3 left but will beat this Broncos outfit pretty convincingly.

Incidentally when you reach my age you can say you really are getting on in years. Relative to me you are a young lad!

Know very little about this guy Swims but looking at him on his arrival in Sydney if he could act he would make a splendid Henry the Eighth.

Edited October 3 by George Watt

[Futtocks]

20 hours ago, THE RED ROOSTER said:

While on singers, I am getting on in years but can one of you younglings tell me who Teddy Swims is? I know Snoop Dogg and the Doggfather rocked the AFL Final  Has the NRL booked a 2^nd rate replacement?.

You could argue that Snoop is at least one decade and maybe two past his peak of musical relevance and is basically a retro/novelty act these days.

I don't know Swims' music, but he seems to be someone on the way up. His biggest hit is Lose Control, which went 6xplatinum and topped the singles charts in the USA and UK.

 

[Anita Bath]

Arrived at Sydney airport flashing his rather large torso sporting a bear tattoo. 

Lets refer to it as pre game activity as opposed to pre game entertainment. Given the temperatures in Sydney tomorrow many folks will be in the concourses until the teams come out I suspect.

[Futtocks]

Somebody on social media saying that Channel Nine will be calling the game remotely from Sydney.

[Graham]

[Spotty Herbert]

8 hours ago, Futtocks said:

Somebody on social media saying that Channel Nine will be calling the game remotely from Sydney.

But its taking place in Sydney?

[Futtocks]

3 minutes ago, Spotty Herbert said:

But its taking place in Sydney?

I think the poster was alleging they were doing it from the Nine studios rather than at the game. Whether that's true or not, they'll do their usual mediocre job.

[Graham]

[Anita Bath]

The announcer from hell.

At the start of the second half of the state championship game he welcomed Burleigh Bears back on the field as Queensland Cup champions with their big rivals being southport and runaway bay ( they dont play in the queensland cup). Then he welcomed the women back in the second half for the "last 40 minutes". Of course they play 35 minutes each way.

 

I hope somebody has told him Penrith arent in the big one.

[George Watt]

11 minutes ago, Anita Bath said:

The announcer from hell.

At the start of the second half of the state championship game he welcomed Burleigh Bears back on the field as Queensland Cup champions with their big rivals being southport and runaway bay ( they dont play in the queensland cup). Then he welcomed the women back in the second half for the "last 40 minutes". Of course they play 35 minutes each way.

 

I hope somebody has told him Penrith arent in the big one.

Cleary's brother was in the Warriors 17 in the SC game but was not used in the 50-20 demolition of the B.Bears.

Edited October 5 by George Watt

[Gerrumonside ref]

Morning all,

Watching via Now TV/Sky - when will the preview programme begin on there?

It’s on the EPG but just replays so far.

Edited October 5 by Gerrumonside ref

[Futtocks]

13 minutes ago, Gerrumonside ref said:

Morning all,

Watching via Now TV/Sky - when will the preview programme begin on there?

It’s on the EPG but just replays so far.

It's just replays on WatchNRL too.

[Gerrumonside ref]

It’s started now anyway, but cheers!

[Futtocks]

As introductions go, this barely warrants the term "perfunctory".

Did Nine not want to pay the broadcast fees for the Teddy Swims songs?

[Gerrumonside ref]

Enjoy all!

[Irish Saint]

Good morning all. I have mo interest in either team but have got out of s sick bed for this.

I know one of our colleagues above had a punt on the Broncos before season began.

Storm have just kicked off.

First pen to Brincos.

[wakeyranger]

In super league that try would require a 7 min video ref review.

[Futtocks]

That was one mis-step from being very embarrassing for Mariner, but the try is given.

Broncos lead 6:0

[Irish Saint]

Broncos with first try. Walsh to Mariner who top toes  close to the line.

Reynolds adds two after long wait.

Broncos 6-0 4 minutes gone.

[bratman]

Great start Brisbane, but just put the ball down 

[dkw]

What a try by Storm.

[Futtocks]

Melbourne strike back almost immediately!