After a 17-game pre-season challenge, 25 rounds of thrilling NRL Rugby League, a stunning Origin series and a play off series of epic proportions, we reach the finale. Only two teams remain and our money was on the MELBOURNE STORM from day one. Despite this, the BRISBANE BRONCOS have displayed remarkable momentum, much like a group of untamed wild horses, and appear to be in a strong position to potentially secure the premiership, a feat they have not achieved since 2006. This will be the STORM'S seventh grand final, with wins in 2012, 2017 and 2020. It is difficult to predict the victor, as both teams possess formidable forwards and exceptional backs, but this match up between the great states of Victoria and Queensland promises to be a closely contested affair, potentially decided by a narrow margin in Sydney on Sunday night. The black menace of the Panthers will not be necessary and won't be missed. This will mark the first instance in seven years where a Sydney team will not be participating in the Grand Final.

MELBOURNE STORM

If one were to look for consistency in a team sport, the Melbourne Storm would certainly be a prime example of stability and cohesion. They possess game winning talent across the park and are led by one of the finest coaches in the history of the game, Craig Bellamy. Observing master motivator Craig Bellamy effectively leading his team and delivering his message, it is difficult to envision the 65-year-old ever harbouring any uncertainties about his capacity to thrive in the highly competitive realm of NRL coaching. He has achieved so much already and much like Ivan Cleary, Bellyache has the ability to create a successful blueprint and shift players in and out of the side without them missing a beat. With Bellamy at the helm, benchmarks were established, and the culture was cultivated, over two decades of remarkable achievement in rugby league's southern territory.

A significant asset for Melbourne is Harry Grant, who is widely regarded as the premier ball-running hooker in the sport. Across from him, the Broncos feature Cory Paix, who filled in as hooker and, remarkably, did not make a single run from dummy half in Sunday's memorable comeback victory against the Panthers. Grant is truly the heart and soul of the Storm's attack, as he effectively keeps the defense uncertain, thus providing halves Cameron Munster and Jahrome Hughes with the necessary time and space to maneuver the ball.

The Cronulla try at the buzzer brought the final score to 22-14, which, in retrospect, might appear to be a close result. However, after approximately fifteen minutes on Friday evening, a Storm victory seemed highly likely, as they maintained possession of the ball and dictated the play in typical style. While Jahrome Hughes may have returned to the field sooner than expected after his arm injury, the Sharks appeared to exploit the spaces he wasn't occupying, and their renowned defense was unable to contain him – Hughes broke eight tackles, accumulating over 100 running metres, while only needing to make nine tackles. Along with Cam Munster they obliterated the hapless Sharkies.

It is anticipated that the Storm will maintain their successful strategies, which have proven effective. Their approach involves a strong forward running game, succeeded by swift ball movement from the backline. Both teams are expected to engage in intense tackling, with the Storm appearing better prepared to endure the Broncos' offensive efforts. Much like the Panthers they will aim to control possession and territory and take any opportunity on offer.

BRISBANE BRONCOS

Brisbane have displayed incredible resilience in their last two playoff matches and, on both occasions, delivered a blitzrieg when they looked dead in the water. The Panthers performance was a masterclass in control and the result appeared finalised at 14-0. Historically, no team has successfully overcome such a deficit to defeat Penrith, particularly within the context of a finals match. Similar to their stunning qualifying final victory in Canberra, Brisbane experienced initial difficulties. However, they persevered as the Panthers attempted to implement their established finals strategy of a "shutout" The Broncos scored a strange grubber kick try to Kotoni Staggs, got another streaky one from Xavier Willison and then it was all on. Penrith were going backwards, Brisbane were pushing incredibly hard and firing on all cylinders. Penrith's four year reign over the NRL officially came to an end after the Broncos produced a thrilling second-half comeback to book a spot in the grand final.

The final score of 16-14 resulted from a captivating and exciting final thirty minutes of play. Payne Haas delivered an outstanding performance, playing the full 80 minutes, as did Jordan Riki; this should be considered when planning for next week's schedule, given the short turnaround. The first half was anything but insightful from Brisbane though. The team's composition appeared to be disrupted by the return of Reynolds and Mam. Ben Hunt was shifted to hooker after a prolonged period at halfback, and Billy Walters' consistent performance was unavailable. Furthermore, Reynolds was required to perform at finals-level intensity in his initial game after a six-week absence. Consequently, Walsh's involvement with the ball was reduced compared to his typical flashy attacking play.

To secure a victory, it would be beneficial for Reece Walsh to become involved in the game at an earlier stage. The agile and swift fullback is undoubtedly the Broncos' most valuable asset, and his speed has the potential to disorient their opponents. However, his performance can be somewhat inconsistent. With a strong forward presence, they have the capacity to significantly impact the game, although both Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt will need to perform at their peak.

PREDICTION: STORM by 6

SCORELINE: 18-12

CLIVE CHURCHILL MEDAL - Jahrome Hughes