- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
At the beginning of the 2016 NRL season I was asked several times who I thought would win the Grand Final. Each time, without hesitation I gave the same response – the Cronulla Sharks. Each time, without hesitation, this response was met with laughter.
» Why the Storm will win
» Tomorrow’s headlines, today!
» Read our expert predictions
» Clive Churchill medal tips and smokies
Now on grand final day, my prediction at the beginning of the year is not so far-fetched or fanciful anymore. It is very close to being a reality.
I’ve read all the stats. Tim Gore did the analysis here. Those tipping with their heads have predicted that the Storm will leave victorious tomorrow.
I however am a true believer, and can give you at least five reasons why the Sharks will win tomorrow.
Home ground advantage
In the last three grand finals, one of the two teams involved has truly been the ‘people’s story’. In 2014, Sydney rallied behind South Sydney. Despite the club being founded in 1908 and having won more premierships than any other – at that stage, 20 – they had not appeared in a grand final since 1971. In 2014, the drought was broken.
Last year, an inspirational Johnathan Thurston led the North Queensland Cowboys to their first Premiership. The hearts of Sydneysiders were with the Cowboys and thousands of people migrated from north of the border to witness history being written and to see JT lift the trophy for the first time.
This year, ANZ Stadium will be dominated by people cheering for the Sharks. Despite the presence of men like Paul Gallen and Andrew Fifita, the Sharks are still this year’s fairytale and the people’s team.
The game tomorrow is sold out. Do not underestimate the power of tens of thousands of people backing the Sharks. The crowd will help lift the Sharks and it may even help them get the rub of the green from the referees.
The Storm can be beaten
We all know that the Melbourne Storm are the best in the competition at a particular brand of football. Each player has a very simple job to do and the Storm are almost robotic in their approach to football each week. If the Sharks try to outplay the Storm at their own game, they will lose.
But, if the Sharks stick to their brand of football, including exciting attacking football off the back of second phase play, they can beat the Storm.
Lose a Grand Final to win one
I’m calling bollocks on this myth and here’s why. While the Sharks might never have won a grand final, there are 6 players in the Sharks team with grand final experience including Michael Ennis, Ben Barba, James Maloney and Luke Lewis. The Storm also have six players in their team with grand final experience.
So I’m calling it even.
The Sharks also have a very talented group of youngsters from a generation who do not balk at high intensity, high pressure games. These youngsters will not be overawed by the occasion and I am expecting Jack Bird, much like he did during State of Origin, to take this Grand Final in his stride.
The Sharks absolutely have the experience to win this game and will win this game.
Firepower on the field
The Canberra Raiders were so close to knocking the Storm out last weekend and truth be told, should have won that game.
The Sharks and the Raiders are two teams which play a very similar brand of football. That is, a type of football which is fast, strong and unpredictable.
When you think of fast, you think of Barba and Holmes.
When you think of strong, you think of Gallen, Fifita and Lewis.
When you think of unpredictable, you think of Jack Bird.
And then there are the two maestros holding the team together – Michael Ennis and James Maloney.
If the Sharks stick to their game plan and play their brand of football, they will stun the Storm into submission.
I do believe in fairytales
The Sharks will win tomorrow because this is their time. If not now, when? This is Michael Ennis’ last chance at premiership glory, and may be Paul Gallen’s last opportunity to walk away a victor.
The Western Bulldogs held up their side of the bargain yesterday. When the Sharks lift that trophy today, 2016 will forever be remembered as a year of fairytales in sport – beginning with Leicester City and ending with the Sharks.
In the mid-1980’s, Jack Gibson famously proclaimed that “waiting for Cronulla to win a Grand Final is like leaving a porch light on for Harold Holt.” Come Sunday night, Sharks fans will finally be able to switch off that porch lamp forever and there will be a party in the Shire the likes of which have not been seen since the days of Todd Carney.
See you all at Northies later tonight.
Up, up Cronulla!
This is @mary__kaye from @ladieswholeague