Roosters
21
Match Complete
Storm
6
| L. Mitchell |  | 78 | ||
| L. Keary |  | 68 | ||
| 63 |  | C. Smith | ||
| 62 |  | J. Addo-Carr | ||
| J. Manu | | 36 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 30 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 15 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 14 | ||
| D. Tupou | | 7 | ||
| L. Mitchell | | 3 |
| 3 | Tries | 1 | ||
| 1 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 3 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 0 |
Either the Sydney Roosters or Melbourne Storm have featured in 15 of the past 20 NRL Grand Finals and for the first time in history, the two most successful clubs of the modern era meet in a battle for the top prize. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the decider, starting at 7pm (AEST).
It all comes down to this. The two best sides of the 2018 NRL season. And there are plenty of storylines to keep us interested until kick-off tonight.
More NRL Grand Final
» MITHEN: Roosters finally meet expectations
» Match report: Sydney smash Storm
» Seven talking points from the match
» WATCH: Video highlights from the match
» Sydney Roosters player ratings
» Melbourne Storm player ratings
» Best and funniest tweets
After appearing long odds to take the field, Cooper Cronk will line up for the Roosters in a massive boost to their hopes of claiming their first title since 2013.
Mitchell Aubusson, who was originally named in the number seven jersey, shifts back to the forwards with Isaac Lui pushed to the bench.
It remains to be seen how Cronk will fare.
If last week’s game is anything to go by, it means even more pressure will be placed on five-eighth Luke Keary, who is usually able to take a backseat when the champion halfback is fit.
Melbourne haven’t been without disruptions of their own, but their one already had a happy ending.
Billy Slater was found not guilty of a shoulder charge by the judiciary on Tuesday night and will be able to suit up tonight for what will be his final game in the NRL.
Having admitted it was an emotionally draining experience, it will be interesting to see whether the stress of the past week will have any impact on Slater’s performance.
Outside of that concern, the Storm enter tonight’s decider off the back of a dominant 22-6 win over Cronulla and are warm favourites to claim back-to-back titles.
Prediction
Even if Slater was rubbed out by the judiciary, this Storm outfit is still the same well-drilled side under coach Craig Bellamy.
Cronk’s inclusion is a genuine game-changer. The Roosters were no hope without him.
Both sides are strong in defence, but it is Melbourne who are better at posting points and that will be the difference.
Storm by 8.
Be sure to join The Roar as we take you through the final 80 minutes of the NRL season and crown the champions of 2018.
Game info
Kick-off: 7:20pm (AEDT)
Venue: ANZ Stadium
TV: Live, Nine Network
Online: Live NRL live pass
Betting: Roosters $2.22, Storm $1.67
Overall record: Played 35; Storm 20 wins, Roosters 15 wins
Last meeting: 2017, Storm won 9-8 at Adelaide Oval in Round 16, 2018
Last five: Roosters 1, Storm 4
Record in finals: Played 2, Roosters 1, Storm 1
Record at venue: Never played
Referees: Ashley Klein and Gerrard Sutton
Sydney Roosters
1. James Tedesco 2. Daniel Tupou 3. Latrell Mitchell 4. Joseph Manu 5. Blake Ferguson 6. Luke Keary 23. Cooper Cronk 8. Jared Waerea-Hargreaves 9. Jake Friend 10. Sio Siua Taukeiaho 11. Boyd Cordner 7. Mitchell Aubusson 13. Victor Radley 12. Isaac Liu 14. Dylan Napa 15. Zane Tetevano 16. Paul Momirovski 17. Ryan Matterson
Melbourne Storm
1. Billy Slater 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Curtis Scott 5. Josh Addo-Carr 6. Cameron Munster 7. Brodie Croft 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Tim Glasby 11. Felise Kaufusi 12. Joe Stimson 13. Dale Finucane 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Christian Welch 16. Brandon Smith 17. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
The Cowboys will reluctantly take him off Bellamy’s hands.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Anyway, that's all tonight folks. I will have player ratings up shortly. Thanks for all your support during the 2018 season. It's been an incredible year. The footy doesn't stop though. And nor does the off-season rumour mill. We'll still have plenty of league content here on The Roar. Until then, it's goodbye.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Once the Storm looks like losing he gets frustrated and comes up with these brain snaps - he's got some filth in him - very un-Storm like - Bellamy would not have been impressed I'm sure
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
And Scotty is live with his talking points - check them out here.
Brendon Waldron
Roar Pro
If the 2006-2009 pattern holds for 2016-2019, Storm should win it next year before it all gets stripped in 2020...
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Maybe not - but just him being there was a calming influence on the Roosters and his mere presence gave them confidence - gutsy gamble that came off
Big Daddy
Guest
Cronk was instrumental in making Keary a Better player all year. Hats off to Robinson for having the b**L's to pick despite his injury. Cronk knew his limitations but the team played to them.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Roosters skipper Jake Friend: "To all the Roosters fans, thanks so much for all your support. We love you guys. To all our family and friends who put up with us every week, we love you guys." Friend and fellow captain Boyd Cordner lift the trophy and the Roosters celebrate.
Varg Vikernes
Guest
35:24 Storm - Cam Smith - slow peel 29:24 Storm - Munster - Professional foul sin bin 28:35 Easts - Matterson - flop 26:57 Storm - Chambers dangerous tackle 25:26 Easts - Aubusson dangerous tackle 21:03 Easts - Mitchell OFFSIDE inside 10 11:27 Easts - Jake Friend dangerous tackle 02:16 Storm - Chambers lying in the ruck Half 40:25 Easts - Aubusson dangerous tackle 53:42 Easts - Keary OFFSIDE inside 10 54:39 Storm - Asofa-Solomona Obstruction 60:02 Storm - Brandon Smith Dangerous Tackle 71:01 Easts - Tedesco scrum infringement 72:15 Easts - Radley strip 72:37 Easts - Aubusson slow peel 73:19 Easts - Radley crowding 77:44 Storm - Munster head kick Then sin-binned
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
The premiership rings are now being handed out to the Roosters players.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Big shout out to all those who assisted in this year's coverage of the 2018 NRL season here on The Roar. You know who you are - we wouldn't be able to provide such quality content if it wasn't for you.
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Storm skipper Cameron Smith: "That's a pretty disappointing match to leave to the last one of the season. You've got to take your hat off to the opposition. Right from the opening whistle, they knew exactly what they needed to do and executed perfectly. Well done to Boyd, Jake, Trent and the rest of the squad and in particular Luke Keary..." "To the rest of our team, congratulations on a great year. Hopefully, we'll be back again next year. Special mention to a couple of good mates Billy Slater and Ryan Hoffman. You've delighted so many people in the stands. You've made a lot of people proud."
Eden
Roar Rookie
Clinical from the roosters. The whole year has been a year of not quite hitting potential, but that first half must make Robinson very happy. Melbourne didn’t let themselves into the match and will rue a couple of missed chances
Greg
Guest
Keary - "this one's for you Russell"
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Clive Churchill medallist Luke Keary: "Obviously Billy and Ryan Hoffman, you've both had great careers, it's been a pleasure to play alongside you..." "To our boys, we did it. It's been an awesome year. Everyone has a little bit of this medal, the support staff too. Let's party."
Penrith Punter
Roar Guru
Clive Churchill Medallist - Luke Keary Keary was brilliant tonight playing alongside a busted Cronk with a try-assist and over 450 kicking metres.
Adam
Roar Guru
If you get out jumped then too bad. But hit them the moment they land
Major Bumsore
Guest
#CRONK GIVES EM A LESSON
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Easts were really very good in the first half. Really rattled Melbourne. I thought they’d cut Melbourne to shreds in the second half, but they were contained.Storm can take something from that I suppose.
Varg Vikernes
Guest
Chooks twice. Storm not once. Halftime 18-0 95% completion to easts 20/21 sets to 76% storm 13/17 sets Penalties against: Easts 4- Storm 4 35:24 Storm - Cam Smith - slow peel 29:24 Storm - Munster - Professional foul sin bin 28:35 Easts - Matterson - flop 26:57 Storm - Chambers dangerous tackle 25:26 Easts - Aubusson dangerous tackle 21:03 Easts - Mitchell OFFSIDE inside 10 11:27 Easts - Jake Friend dangerous tackle 02:16 Storm - Chambers lying in the ruck ************************************************************************************* 40:25 Easts - Aubusson dangerous tackle 53:42 Easts - Keary OFFSIDE inside 10 Penalties against: Easts 6- Storm 4 54:39 Storm - Asofa-Solomona Obstruction Penalties against: Easts 6 - Storm 5 60:02 Storm - Brandon Smith Dangerous Tackle 5 dangerous tackle penalties 2 offside both Easts Penalties against: Easts 6 - Storm 6 71:01 Easts - Tedesco scrum infringement 7-6 72:15 Easts - Radley strip 72:37 Easts - Aubusson slow peel 73:19 Easts - Radley crowding 10 - 6 77:44 Storm - Munster head kick Then sin-binned 10 - 7