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With three grand finals still to be played in this decade, I’m limiting this list to just three deciders. Although we have only had seven grand finals to pick from there have still been some absolute crackers that could easily rival the naughties best games.
3. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, 2012
Both teams had plenty of motivation for this match. For the Storm, it was a case of undoing the damage that the salary cap scandal had created – namely, the stripping of the 2007 and 2009 titles. The Bulldogs were similarly looking to end an eight-season drought with their last title coming in 2004.
Bulldogs coach Des Hasler also had plenty of personal motivation. Having coached the Manly Sea Eagles to a title in 2011, he was aiming to become the first coach to win consecutive premierships with different clubs.
This decided was a top of the table clash as it should be. The Bulldogs had finished the regular season as minor premiers with the Storm nipping at their heels.
Defence wins you premierships, and it was readily apparent in this low scoring clash as both teams resembled a brick wall. Eventually, the Storm would prevail to the tune of 14-4, bringing about a new era for the club after a difficult few years.
2. 2014 South Sydney v Bulldogs
This was the most anticipated grand final in decades with the Bunnies making their first appearance in a decider since their triumph in 1971.
Conversely, the Bulldogs were enjoying a second grand final appearance in three years, albeit with a very different team to their 2012 roster.
In a promising piece of foreshadowing the game began with inspirational forward Sam Burgess enduring a broken cheek bone, evoking memories of the 1970 grand final which featured Souths legend John Sattler breaking his jaw in a winning grand final effort.
Souths got off to an early lead through Alex Johnston and never trailed at any point during the 2014 grand final. Four second half tries resulted in a lopsided 30-6 final scoreline as Greg Inglis scored moments before the full-time siren and performed his traditional ‘goanna’ celebration.
The departing Sam Burgess was awarded the Clive Churchill medal, with the inspirational lock tearfully embracing Souths owner Russell Crowe. This was the best grand final in years and a fantastic night for long-suffering Bunnies fans.
1. North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos, 2015
It takes something special to top the Bunnies’ first title in 43 years, and that’s exactly what the Cowboys and Broncos delivered.
The first all Queensland grand final proved that the best NRL talent certainly comes from the sunshine state as neutrals were treated to an absolute pearler. These two sides have an incredible rivalry that has been building since the Cowboys were admitted into the competition in 1995.
The Cowboys had been denied by the Wests Tigers in 2005, during their only previous grand final appearance. The Broncos had not tasted victory since their 2006 triumph over the Melbourne Storm and still had their 100% winning grand final record to protect.
I was living in Rockhampton at the time, half way between Townsville and Brisbane and I have never seen such an incredible build up to a grand final. Leading up to the match Queensland was essentially in a state of civil war. Anybody north of the Rocky river was supporting the Cowboys, and anybody south of the river was following the Broncos.
While the build up was brilliant, it was nothing compared to the match.
At halftime, the Broncos held a slight 14-12 advantage in a game that was going tit for tat. The first 39 minutes of the second half featured some good albeit slow football, but in the final minute of the match, all hell broke loose.
In the dying moments of the game, the Cowboys created some brilliant ad-lib footy which resulted in Michael Morgan supplying winger Kyle Feldt with an incredible flick pass. Feldt touched down in the corner to set ANZ Stadium alight and give captain Johnathan Thurston the chance to edge his name in folklore with a sideline conversion.
That effort incredibly hit the upright meaning this thriller would head into extra time, but, that would only be the start of the drama. From the kick-off Broncos halfback, Ben Hunt dropped the ball a mere twelve metres from his line. Clive Churchill Medal winner Johnathan Thurston would boot a field goal soon after, and the Broncos would endure their first ever grand final defeat in one of the best deciders of all time.
What do you think Roarers? Do you agree with my list? What is your favourite grand final of the 2010s to date?
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