
South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs will lock horns tomorrow for the right to be declared champions of Australia – with a very British flavour surrounding the game for the first time in a long while.
Most of the talk is based around Souths forward Sam Burgess, who will play his final game of Rugby League before departing on a new adventure in rugby union with Bath RU.
However, as well as brothers Tom and George also playing for the Bunnies, Canterbury’s James Graham will also play a huge role in the outcome of the result, having enjoyed an incredible 2014.
But it isn’t just those men that will be involved in the key battles – and TotalRL.com is going to run you through the three key battles that will dictate the outcome of a hugely anticipated NRL Grand Final
Half-back: Adam Reynolds v Trent Hodkinson
Canterbury half-back Trent Hodkinson – a man who could still potentially be called up for England ahead of the Four Nations – has given the Bulldogs a massive boost ahead of the game, declaring himself fit despite an ongoing knee injury. His battle with Souths half Adam Reynolds will be huge, and could have a massive say in which side turn out on top.
Prop: George Burgess v James Graham
It won’t be Sam going head to head with James Graham in the front row, but brother George, who has been named in the props for the game. Both have been in scintillating form so far in 2014, and look destined to be a part of England’s Four Nations squad. But which prop will get the edge, and give his team a bigger platform from which to build?
Loose Forward: Sam Burgess v Greg Eastwood
Two former Super League stars will do battle at the back of the pack in the NRL Grand Final, as Sam Burgess looks to head off to the 15-man code on a real high, by getting his hands on the NRL trophy. However, former Leeds man Greg Eastwood has been pivotal in the Bulldogs’ charge to the final, and he will provide a stern test for Burgess in his final RL appearance.