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?
BigJ
Roar Guru
If the Storm played the 2016 grand final as they played the 2017 grand final, then they would be back to back champs
Bigj
Guest
I know that
Brendan
Guest
"2014 didn’t do much for me. Doggies were never in it. Especially after the old dude rang the bell before the game and then they played doubts winning song as they ran out" I assume you mean Souths song "Glory Glory" which gets played every home game when they run out, not just as their "Winning song" Also the old dudes were Bob McCarthy and Les Johns, 2 greats of the game who played in the infamous 1967 Grand Final between the 2 clubs. You really should learn your league history.
The Barry
Roar Guru
No.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good call epiq. I went to the 4-0 Roosters v Manly semi and it was brilliant. End to end attacking play and desperate defence. It was absolutely one of the best games I've seen. Hiku was only a couple of games into his career and had an absolute blinder.
Bigj
Guest
Cause not you would hate to be proven wrong wouldn't you???. If you are correct in saying that the donks were robbed ( which they weren't) that would make up for 2006 when the storm were robbed when they played the donks. But that would make no sense now would it????
Chook
Guest
Wouldn't waste my time.
Bigj
Guest
Chook go and watch the game and see if they were robbed
Renegade
Roar Guru
Never read so much rubbish in my life.... your articles follow the trend of your comments.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I didnt quite catch the end of the match but Brisbane were right in the Hunt. But you cant say there were robbed in GP because neither team had Ben there before. TBF they were lucky to make GP after Thurston shanked the conversion.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Robbed? They lost under the rules of the game. No robbery needed, unless you count the occasion robbing Ben Hunt of his ability to catch the football.
Chook
Guest
I didn't watch it at all, so wont comment on its merits or lack of...BUT, NO GRAND FINAL SHOULD BE DECIDED ON GOLDEN POINT. Brisbane WAS ROBBED
Squidward
Roar Rookie
"Sharks made to look better than they were"
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
I havent watched a replay of the game yet but I would argue that it was because the Sharks were that good that the Storm were never able to get anything going. The Sharks played them out of the first half and to Melbournes credit they hung in there and only scored 2 tries in a great defensive effort.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Nah all you would need would be to have the 16 coaches and 2 or 3 star players from each team and a few dollars and you should be able to do it. Throw in some referees and then buy out the media and you should be golden. Like Speedracer basically, if you can rig every Grand Prix since 64, the NRL shouldnt be too hard.
bigJ
Guest
EELS V Warriors in 2019???
bigJ
Guest
At what point did I discredit the Sharks?? They were the better, team no doubt, they won the game, but the Storm could of played alot better, it wasnt like the Storm threw everything at the sharks they did nothing but defend for the first half and the Sharks only got over twice. Its clear the storm had an off night.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Eels 2019.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Yeah nice. Completely discredit the Premiers flawless first half by saying the storm were rubbish. They were outenthused dude
Bigj
Guest
Storm didn't throw the game they just slept through sixty minutes of it. When the storm decided to play they got infront and then went back to bed until 5 five from full time. I watched every minute of the game as was not happy how the storm played.