The Cronulla Sharks have taken a win in the grand final re-match with a 11-2 victory over the Melbourne Storm in Melbourne.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
Melbourne Storm 2
Cronulla Sharks 11
The Grand Final replay between the Melbourne Storm and Cronulla Sharks should be a high-quality contest between two teams with high hopes of yet again contesting a decider come October. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4pm AEST.
Sunday afternoon football offers a tantalising match-up between two of the strongest sides in the NRL. The Storm and Sharks played out an epic 2016 decider last season with both teams giving it their all in a match that literally went down to the wire.
Despite Melbourne’s best efforts however, the Sharks held on and secured a maiden premiership victory that ended decades of pain and melancholy for Sharks fans.
As for the Storm, not even victory today will erase the anguish they felt when the final whistle blew at ANZ Stadium to signal the end of another lost opportunity for Craig Bellamy’s men.
With that said, the Storm have started the season like a team possessed and are once again the preeminent candidate to take out the title this season.
The Sharks however should present Melbourne with their toughest test of the season to date. Cronulla at their best are one of the few teams capable of beating Melbourne at their own game.
The Sharks are well served by a strong pack of forwards and their backline possesses a balanced mix of class and toughness to compliment the work done by their pack.
And of course, half James Maloney is a crucial ingredient when it comes to sparking the Sharks attack to life. He was superb in last season’s grand final and has already put another premiership contender, the Canberra Raiders, to the sword, with a masterful performance in the nation’s capital back in Round 2.
Maloney’s battle with Cooper Cronk will be worth the price of admission alone. Two of the game’s premier halves go head-to-head in a contest that should be played at a terrific pace.
Prediction
The Storm start favourites at home and the Sharks have always struggled to fire at AAMI Park. With that said, Cronulla would have had their eye on this match for a while now and will be primed for a strong performance. The loss of Jesse Bromwich to injury doesn’t help Melbourne’s cause but the Storm’s record at home is ominous and a big crowd should see them home.
Storm by 4
Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4pm AEST.
Andy Mac
Guest
I can't believe what I'm hearing! The comentary for this game is so biased and almost dull. Storm are scrambling and ahead and yet all I'm hearing is how well the sharks are playing and the storm aren't completing sets etc. Typical one eyed NSW attitude. Save it for the club rooms or the couch. Sooner or later you have to give credit where it's due and it's well overdue for storm. The results, fans, growth of the game interest and future are in your hands as a commentator. See and speak the truth.
JVGO
Guest
Man without the refs the legit score today was about 25-2. But of course they would have won the GF with another 30secs haha. Such arrogance from Smith after having a GF lead and giving it up.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
According to our CEO, Chambers should have been penalised and sin binned for a professional foul. Melbourne (though not on their own) are terrible and holding players down in the tackle. Where are the penalties? In the good old days ref tells a player to get off, if he doesn't do this immediately, penalty. Oh for the days when referees refereed by the rule book.
E-Meter
Guest
The most biased refereeing I've seen in years. I hope Flanagan goes berserk. Cecchin is usually above that sort of thing, but his offsider is renowned for it.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Ooh yeah. At 6pm on a Friday night. Lovely.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Storm really fell apart in the last 15 minutes; badly missed the Kiwi international contingent.
Renegade
Roar Guru
Agree mate, very happy to see them lift in a game they should... the scoreboard didn't reflect the dominance! If the dragons keep winning, the next derby is going to be something!
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Tough game of footy, anyone who has played in those conditions knows how much it wrecks you. The witch is dead at AAMI Park.
cam
Guest
thank you sharks thumbs up to you , and a big thumbs down to the refs and the nrl
Cugel
Roar Rookie
First time an 11-2 scoreline has come up since 1970.
Alan
Roar Guru
» Click here to read the full match report
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Such an open season. After 6 rounds I honestly have no idea who are favourites. Will Chambers won't play next week after his shoulder charge. Strange that the Sharks didn't receive a penalty. But Manly will benefit.
Gav
Guest
AAARRRGGGHHH! Will the real premiers please stand up! AND THEY DO!
Alan
Roar Guru
FULLTIME Storm 2 Sharks 11
Alan
Roar Guru
PENALTY SUCCESSFUL Storm 2 Sharks 11
Zedman
Roar Rookie
Rene, they deserved this, better team all day.
Alan
Roar Guru
79' - Sharks on the attack. Segeyaro with another great grubber. Storm conceding the drop-out. Storm also about to be held tryless in Melbourne! Smith kicks the footy out on the full. Sharks will take the two. Storm 2 Sharks 9
Scott Pryde
Expert
A quarter of the way through the season and the Dragons back to the top of the table. Tough game this one though. Sharkies proving they are still gritty and know how to grind out a win.
Renegade
Roar Guru
I've said it over the opening month.... to me it feels the Sharks only want to play in the big games and haven't really been bothered the past few weeks but only doing enough to win. Was expecting them to bring their best today for what is definitely a BIG game... handling wasn't quite there but it was definitely their most energetic and intense performance of the season.
Alan
Roar Guru
Sharks get the penalty and Gallen enjoying every minute of this. Sharks show the way. You turn up ready for war against Melbourne and you can beat them. Storm 2 Sharks 9