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As the iconic Darryl Kerrigan once said, “How’s the serenity?” That sentiment pretty much sums up a fairly low-key and muted lead up to the NRL grand final this Sunday.
Sure, fans of the chooks and the Storm are salivating at the thought of another premiership, yet there also exists a groundswell of indifferent public opinion. It is possible that many are either tired of the consistent success of both clubs or merely annoyed that their own team missed out.
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There is some logic behind the feelings of sameness when it comes to the teams involved. The last 19 grand finals have featured either Melbourne or the Roosters on 14 occasions, yet curiously they have never directly crossed paths in the decider.
No doubt the travelling Storm crew will be here in numbers and the fans from the east of Sydney will make a rare trip through the tunnel to cheer on the boys and girls from Bondi.
However, with tickets still available in most categories, the match doesn’t appear to be engaging the interest of neutrals.
The participation of the South Sydney Rabbitohs would have livened things up, as would have fairytale runs for the Panthers and Warriors, had either been so fortunate as to qualify for the big dance.
However, and appropriately, the match will be played between the two most successful clubs of the recent past and the 2018 season. It is the grand final that the competition deserves.
Since finishing in the top two positions on the ladder, when the Roosters grabbed the required number of points in their final match to claim the minor premiership, they have been clinical throughout September.
Rather than applaud and cite the consistency of performance and longevity of success of both clubs, some fans couldn’t care less and are well within their rights to do so.
(Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
For many it is a battle between the filthy, cheating, protected grubs from south of the border and the ‘salary sombrero’-wearing Roosters, who somehow manage to squeeze every available resource into an already talented and representative squad.
Considering the significant financial sins committed by a variety of clubs over the last 20 years, that accusation often levelled at the Chooks could be deemed somewhat unfair.
As for the Storm, possessing future immortals and two of the greatest players in the history of our game is bound to draw some jealous barbs. Moreover, any criticism of the wrestling and grappling tactics adopted by Melbourne is weak considering all clubs have taken a similar approach.
Blinded by the stereotypes and commonly held beliefs, perhaps many rugby league fans are missing something. The story about to unfold is in fact one of great drama, irony and uncertainty.
The full extent of the seriousness of Cooper Cronk’s shoulder injury will one day be known, but for now whispers of his potential involvement in the game continue. Now up against his old mentor for whom he iced game after game over 14 years of loyal service in Melbourne, Cronk came to Sydney for love and a new environment.
Many saw a stronger Roosters side, one finally in possession of a halfback capable of winning the big moments with poise, control and skill. It appears they have been proven correct.
Cronk has made all the difference, and how convenient it is that just 26 games since his departure he returns to potentially shatter the dreams of his previous employer.
(Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)
Dylan Napa must be plagued with self-doubt; fearful that a usually reliable tackling technique might go wrong again on the biggest of all stages.
Napa has tackled thousands of players with the same method that saw him suspended for the past three weeks. Whilst he will attempt to commit to contests as aggressively as ever, there must be a nagging concern from this point forward and that will not work in a grand final where he needs to impose himself on the Melbourne pack.
Spare a thought for Mitchell Aubusson if he is thrust into the vacant halves spot with Cronk’s potential omission and consider the battle between Latrell Mitchell and Will Chambers that was volcanic the last time they met.
For the southerners, Billy Slater will look to leave the game with the most emotional of exists if he is able to complete the rare fairy tale of a premiership in a legend’s final game.
With Cameron Smith hinting at a shock exit should the day pan out perfectly for the Storm, it could be the greatest dual farewell since Mick Cronin and Ray Price were chaired from the SCG in 1986.
Throw in what another premiership would do for the legacy of Craig Bellamy, the greatest coach in the modern game, and it is clear that there is a lot to celebrate and anticipate about 2018’s grand final.
Perhaps fans of other clubs have misread the entire situation, allowing personal disappointment and dislike for both clubs to override their enjoyment of the game itself?
Alternatively, there may be many of you reading this and thinking, “Tell him he’s dreaming”.