The NRL Grand Final

Melbourne Storm vs North Queensland Cowboys – Sunday night (6.15pm) – ANZ Stadium

Melbourne Storm
  1. Billy Slater
  2. Suliasi Vunivalu
  3. Will Chambers
  4. Curtis Scott
  5. Josh Addo-Carr
  6. Cameron Munster
  7. Cooper Cronk
  8. Jesse Bromwich
  9. Cameron Smith (c)
  10. Jordan McLean
  11. Felise Kaufusi
  12. Tohu Harris
  13. Dale Finucane
  14. Kenneth Bromwich
  15. Tim Glasby
  16. Nelson Asofa-Solomona
  17. Slade Griffin

Coach - Craig Bellamy

North Queensland Cowboys
  1. Lachlan Coote
  2. Kyle Feldt
  3. Justin O'Neill
  4. Kane Linnett
  5. Antonio Winterstein
  6. Te Maire Martin
  7. Michael Morgan
  8. John Asiata
  9. Jake Granville
  10. Scott Bolton
  11. Gavin Cooper (c)
  12. Ethan Lowe
  13. Jason Taumalolo
  14. Ben Hampton
  15. Coen Hess
  16. Corey Jenson
  17. Shaun Fensom

Coach - Paul Green

* note: team line-ups are subject to considerable change, but will be updated as news filters through.

The Storm and the Cowboys have already met twice in season 2017 – in round 15 the Storm prevailed 23-22 in Melbourne and in round 22 it was the Storm yet again (26-8) in Townsville. As a rule I often look back at previous match-ups in the season as a guide to future results. If I don't, I need some pretty compelling reasons not to...and here they are:

In round 15 key men for both sides did not play because of Origin duties, so the teams that played in that game were very different teams to the teams playing on Sunday. The teams in the round 22 clash are much closer to what we have in the grand final, but circumstances on the night made things particularly difficult for the home team. The Cowboys effectively played out that game without a bench, and players stayed on the field that would not have done so if there were players available to replace them. You need a lot to go right if you want to beat the purple machine, and a lot went wrong for the Cowboys in round 22.

While those factors add some colour and shape to those earlier results, they don't give you any reason to tip against the Storm. You need some pretty compellng reasons to tip against the Storm...and here they are:

You often here people say that finals football is different to regular season football. I'm not sure how true that is, but here's one thing I know to be true – the Cowboys in this finals series are a very different team to the Cowboys leading into the finals series. They've been rank outsiders in every finals game. They've been thousands of kilometres from home in every finals game. The overwhelming weight of crowd support has been against them in every finals game. Yet they won them all, and they improved every week. In week one they beat the 5th placed Sharks by a point. In week two they beat the 4th placed Eels by 8. In week three they beat the 2nd placed Roosters by 13. Their completion rates in those three games have been 80%, 85% and 90%. Their opponents in those three games had completion rates of 60%, 74% and 68%. We are talking about top eight football teams here, but something about this Cowboys defence is forcing their opponents into error. In a way the Cowboys have been doing what the Storm have done all year. The challenge now, and it's quite the challenge, is for the Cowboys to out-Storm the Storm.

I've tried to find a way to measure up the newly-improved Cowboys against the ever-consistent Storm, and I'm relying on the Parramatta Eels to help me out. The Eels played the Storm in week one of the finals and played the Cowboys in week two of the finals. The Eels lost 18-16 to the Storm in Melbourne – it was three tries apeice and a Cameron Smith penalty goal proved the difference. A week later the Eels played the Cowboys in Sydney in front of an enormous Blue and Gold army. The Cowboys won 24-16, and the score was 24-10 until the Eels scored a consolation try in the 80th minute. Now I'm not leaping to the conclusion that the Cowboys are a better team than the Storm. It's never that simple, but those results do suggest to me that the Cowboys are in this game all the way up to their oversized hats.

The Storm haven't left Melbourne all finals series and, rather remarkably, this is their first game at ANZ Stadium all year. That means of course that their last visit to this ground was a loss...in the 2016 grand final. I could be a lone voice with an undiagnosed medical condition, but I think they're going to lose again.

Verdict – Cowboys 17 : Storm 10

Clive Churchill medallist – Michael Morgan

Result – Storm 34 defeated Cowboys 6

Wally Lewis - the grand final (in bold)

Note: tips from Wally will be published on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.

  • STORM vs  Cowboys

Comments

christine's picture

Common sense says storm but cowboys have thrived being under dogs this year so I will stick with taking cowboys & see if they can pull off another upset ...

pabdul's picture

Yeah it's me
Where and what I've been up to is for another day
I noticed Havana hasn't posted since manly bowed out funny that
Anyway congrats to the cowboys I hope you go on with the job
People say I don't like the storm coz they're so good but that's not true it's because last time I was in Melbourne I bought a storm showbag nrl edition and it wasn't what they said.
So I called them
Pabdul : In your showbag it has a cap but its way too small I can't fit in it
Nrl: it's a manufacturing problem none of the players can fit in the cap either
Pabdul: I got 2 books and it said only 1
Nrl: we want you to have a true experience they tell us there's only 1 book but we always find 2.
Pabdul: it says 2 tickets to a storm home game but I've got 2 tickets to Melbourne zoo
Nrl: we found it to be the same thing if you walk around looking long enough your bound to find a cheetah
Pabdul: it says there's a tea set but it comes with 4 saucers and only 2 cups
Nrl: everyone knows we took away 2 cups from them in 2010
Thank you thinker and everyone else on this site
As the late john Denver once proudly sang hey it's good to be back home again hummin

christine's picture

Pabdul Good to have you back my friend , have you met TAD yet or you may know him better as annoying devil he is an irish souths supporter pabdul have some fun with that one ...

christine's picture

Pabdul I did notice you disappeared there for a while & I asked if anyone knew why you were gone be it away for holidays or any other reason but I never got an answer to my ? but your back now so all is well again in time for the grand final well i'm going the under dog & taking cowboys , may the better team win ...

pabdul's picture

Hi Christine
It's quite a story so I will explain my disappearing act in the off season
I just walked up to anz and it seems to be lacking atmosphere but the game should be good I gave away my tickets after the roosters demise
I hoping Morgan is well protected as the storm will try and take him out
I think if they can stick with them with 20 to go I think the cowboys can come home

Anonymous's picture

Thanks 'a' - I thought we lost it there for a moment.

@Fortress & Eagle Rocks - we got something out of something lads.
I'll keep we eyes open for you guys, if I'm in or around The Corso, through the Summer. In other words - you'll be remembered.

@BaggyG - sorry mate, but you guys had it in the bag, just for the want of taking it. To let us back in the game, you can put it down to ball handling and control. You have to feel for Burty though. He's done well, coming in as an ex senior player.

Cheers all - Big Pete

a's picture

You just posted as Annoymous BigPete

Baggy_Gee's picture

I think it is 9 years away from finals football that has hurt us in both games. Haven't been trained to keep a hold of the game in the pressure of the clock and expectations. We'll be better for it next year, but we had both games in the bag but lack of experience. Good win against us and it's all good.

a's picture

What did you think of Mackamore yes I know he was from USA but you have to admit he did a pretty good job and I think that it was good he preformed same love TBH because I think everyone should be treated equally

Baggy_Gee's picture

Paul Kelly would have been better as a warm up act for the grand final. He is a legend of Australian music, on tour, with a fresh album, probably engage more of the crowd than what's-his-name.

a's picture

Not looking good for the Cowboys

christine's picture

Baggy I agree with you on that paul Kelly would have been a much better option shame on you nrl shame on you ...

Steel Panther's picture

The Cowboys might have lost Fensom but they've got Checchin

Baggy_Gee's picture

Well without Matt chicken they might not have got those 6 points.

Hardyards's picture

I am in awe of the Melbourne team, they play an awesome game, we have been winning due to lack of errors but they are just as safe with the ball as we are. Cowboys, you have played courageously and surprised everyone by making it this far. Very proud and will be at the airport cheering just as loud as if you won upon your return. Thanks very much for this site, Mr Thinker, would love to join the Comp next year.
Congratulations Billy on the CC Medal, well deserved. Well played and awesome year Storm. Congratulations Melbourne Storm, deserving champions.

The Thinker's picture

Greetings all....I'm posting this message on behalf of Mary S....who is having some frustrating problems with her login:

Hi

Newbie & to all others,

I havehad some issues with my computer and have not been able to post for a week or so - been very frustrating to say the least!!!! Currently I am visiting friends

in remote NW Qld, so have my laptop. As the friends have intermittent internet

since NBN was installed, I am taking a punt in getting this to you all.

It has

been a great season, and I give my heart felt thanks to 'The Thinker"

& TLH for the effort they put into the site. The site is also as good as it

is, I feel, because of the character of the people who post. As in life, this

presents some hiccups along the way from time to time.

I have picked Cowboys to win for the last 3 weeks, so will be willing them on again

tonight. Even brought my new lucky Cowboys hat to wear while I watch the match.

I had

a dream.............humming!!

Cheers

to all,

EagleROCKS's picture

Hey everyone for one last time this year, just wanted to say what a magnificent performance by the Baby Eagles from 8th place to premiers, guts, skill, determination and spirit. It runs through the whole club and what talent the Mighty Eagles have watch out for this name for future greatness "TOM WRIGHT" all the makings of a future star great footwork, lightning pace. So for the last time you little beauty boys we win a premiership and most of all good to get one on baggy.
As for the grand final very predictable really but a great effort by the cows done your club proud, the storm just too good!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait for 2018 where the Mighty Eagles will rule. So for now have a great summer everyone a great Christmas and see you all in 2018 where we will once again be doing the Eagle Rock and rock on you champions the might Baby Eagles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

EagleROCKS's picture

Hey everyone for one last time this year, just wanted to say what a magnificent performance by the Baby Eagles from 8th place to premiers, guts, skill, determination and spirit. It runs through the whole club and what talent the Mighty Eagles have watch out for this name for future greatness "TOM WRIGHT" all the makings of a future star great footwork, lightning pace. So for the last time you little beauty boys we win a premiership and most of all good to get one on baggy.
As for the grand final very predictable really but a great effort by the cows done your club proud, the storm just too good!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can’t wait for 2018 where the Mighty Eagles will rule. So for now have a great summer everyone a great Christmas and see you all in 2018 where we will once again be doing the Eagle Rock and rock on you champions the might Baby Eagles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

a's picture

I am very proud of the Cowboys for even making it to the grand final from 8th without JT and Scott we will be back in 2018

Steel Panther's picture

All Cowboys supporters should be proud of their team. They are champions and I feel no matter who the Storm played in the final it was going to be a hard day at the office for their opposition. Well done to Melbourne on what was a clinical display.

christine's picture

Great game last night everyone , hope you all enjoy the rest of the year & have a safe xmas / new year for all the people that won't be around in the off season & hope to see you all return in 2018 ...

christine's picture

Thankyou to you Thinker & Tlh for all the great work you do with maintaining this website for all of us to use even if at times there are a few squabbles or things taken out of text we do appreciate all the effort you both make week in week out so again thankyou ...

The Thinker's picture

Greetings football fans,

As you can probably see I have updated the tipping competition for the final time, and congratulations to Scott M, our winner in 2017.

Prizes in 2017 are as follows:

Scott M – $200 voucher (outright 1st)

Big PeteBX – $100 voucher (outright 2nd)

Footy Chick – $25 voucher (tied 3rd)

Steel Panther – $25 voucher (tied 3rd)

And our randomly selected tipster for a $50 voucher is (drum roll)...............a

Congratulations to all our winners this season. I will be in touch to organise the prizes for you all.

And for everyone else, the tipsters and the people who just like to come and have a read, thanks for taking part and for doing so in good spirit. We'll be back again next year unless my little helper or I fall down a well in the off season.

I'll also put up an off-season ramblings page until next year. Most of you won't be around but feel free to post anything in there if you wish. We do have a World Cup to discuss if nothing else.

Someone (Newbie I think) was asking about the traffic for the website this season compared to last season. in 2016 we had 1.023,177 visits up until the day after the grand final. In 2017 we have had 1,229,127 visits up until today. So we are still growing, even after we lost our Potato buddy. In fact, our traffic after Potato left was higher than before he left. People just aren't eating carbs like they used to.

All the best

The Thinker

a's picture

Are you going to put up a Spring Carnival page like you did in some other years to Thinker

christine's picture

Thinker i will return next year & do the same as i have done this year & previous years by just posting my tips in the comments section & share any views or thoughts on the games again as before enjoy your off season i will look in on the website from time to time during the off season ...

christine's picture

congrats "a" for getting a prize & also to everyone else that also did scott m , big pete , footy chick well done to you all ...

mark ashford's picture

Thinker and TLH
Another superb year on this site. Thank you for all your work. I have enjoyed (almost) every minute of it. Some earlier posters tried to upset things but level heads prevailed.
Great effort by the prize winners, wasn't an easy year to tip.
I would like to congratulate you on your choice of "a" for your random prize. He too copped some rubbish earlier but kept his cool and even provided us with an extra comp. Well done "a"
I'll have a look or two during the off season but bring on March 2018

mark ashford's picture

To everyone else on the site THANKS for a great 7 months entertainment.
As Newbie says "may your team win by 40 points" next year.
providing they aren't playing the Broncs of course.
CHRISTINE you also copped plenty but hung in there.
Yes you bit back but went on to just talk footy and did yourself proud.
BIG PETE gets my award for conciliatory arbitrator as he was put in many difficult situations with his Manly and other posters.
Well done mate you handled it well.
AND you can't forget BAGGY, who copped more than anyone.
Mate you handled it and in my opinion you SHONE.
Look forward to seeing you all back here next season.

a's picture

Yeah thanks Thinker For the prize yes I'm looking forward to running my comp again in 2018 it was a fun year well for the most of the part I would like to thank Mark Christine Mary S Fortress Thinker TLH BigPete Johnny Awesome and s few others who make this site a fun place

BigPeteBx's picture

Yes 'a', thanks for that and I did notice it myself, when I looked back and noticed I hadn't signed in.

Keep in touch, keep looking in here, towards a Friday or Saturday. I will chat with you and reply. Just depends who is the Friday night A-League match. Me thinks Channel 10 is a new player this year, in televising A-League match/es.
Cheers mate - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Thanks Christine with the congrats on the prizes.
It's been a long season and you have good credentials, with your thoughts and tips. I can't see why you don't come along and join the tipping clan.
You keep well and have a peek in, now and then, during the rest period.
Bugger this........I'm starting to miss you all, already.

Cheers and keep well - Big Pete (vroom, vroom V8's - this week)

BigPeteBx's picture

Thanks Mark - much appreciate it.
I'll be seeing you in 2018, with maybe the other eye done.
Was in hospital last Thursday week with day surgery on c/lesion on lower leg. They removed it (lesion) and left a nice scar, as though some clown in a scrum in days of old, sliced me with his steel caps/sprigs.

Its been a good year mate and it hasn't been car tyres either.
Remember mate, EPL is well in progress, World Cup of R/League, A-League and Big Bash Cricket about to start....time will fly and we'll be all back here, like a little family getting ready to going fishing.

Cheers - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

'a' mate, its been a pleasure knowing you and for that u r capital A.
Watch your eyes with Dallas Cowboys.....ah hum.
Cairns Taipans - I will see how they are progressing for you, as things get a go on.

Remember, have a look in and doesn't matter if posts are a week apart.

@All at Thinkers - Arsenal won yesterday, Man City def Chelsea 1 - nil and I doubt many would have forecast Newcastle to hold Liverpool to a 1 all draw.

Cheers - Big Pete

BigPeteBx's picture

Doggie and Johnny Awesome.
You guys might like to know, like you know this area!

Oberon Tigers in Group 10 R/League have signed Josh Starling for next season. I only read locally today, that his partner comes from here.
So now, after going down in this years G/Final, they look to be starting favourites, as Oberon have also signed a Ron Massey Cup player in Wayne (is it) Hawkings.

Cheers guys and keep lookin in
Big Pete

christine's picture

Mark ashford You are always a true gentleman if I may quote the Thinker in saying so , you my friend have a kind heart as do you big pete & I wouldn't want to not be in contact with either of you so thankyou guys for being on the thinker's site & yes mark I do bite back sometimes I've kind of had to in my life in order to defend myself ...

christine's picture

Jim dymmock to quit bulldogs after dean pay was appointed coaching role ...

EagleROCKS's picture

Yes Pabdul and you the one who says your a man, and posts under a women"s name funny that.Fortress has left this site madam, leave him alone ok,i think you think your above this site. Just simmer have a great xsmas and punt high and follow on.

Big Pete great victory from our Baby Eagles historic really, i think we can win the comp in 2018, i really do. And i spoke to the great man Fortress.He said he would love to catch up at the corso the 3 of us.Have a great summer Big Pete will be in touch ok.Can u leave your e-mail and we can be in touch with you Big" Eagle"Pete.

Farewll everyone till 2018 where the eagles will rock the world again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mark ashford's picture

Padbul
I'm happy to see you back and hope your absence wasn't due to illness.
I've nearly always enjoyed your humour but the thing about the Storm show bag fell a bit short. That happened 10 years ago and is old news.
Storm deserved their premiership and maybe a little respect.

The Annoying Devil's picture

Well I thought it was hilarious padbul
You never stated anywhere that they don't deserve their premiership and who are they to tell you what to respect lighten up people both mark and eagle gives it to a bloke who's trying to come back nice work guys
Stick in their mate you sound like a real stirrer

mark ashford's picture

TAD
The negative comments about Cam Smith and his team on this site over the past couple of years are beyond a joke.
Sure 10 years ago Storm rorted the cap and paid heavily for it.
I just think it's time we moved on.
Eels, Dogs, Titans, Broncos, Manly, Roosters and others have done the same but are left alone.
There is obviously a NSW dislike of the Storm and I just don't find it funny anymore.
Padbul has provided us with heaps of funny commentary witch I'm sure we've all enjoyed.
If Padbul has a problem with my comment then he is welcome to reply
I'm sure he doesn't need a "devil" to defend him.

Baggy_Gee's picture

Thanks Mark, hopefully work won't interfere with me being at Suncorp next time the BOYS pants the Broncos.

mark ashford's picture

Baggy
With the way Bennett has let players go you may well pull our pants down.
Looking forward to seeing the Broncs roster for 2018 or maybe I'm not.
Most of my Bronco supporting mates have lost interest in Bennett
2018 could be a tough year for the horsies.

Baggy_Gee's picture

I was going to ask who was in charge of recruitment and retention at the Bronco's Mark. They might not be the biggest names around but it seems that you have let some good young players go at the expense of giving the old hands another year on the park. We'll see how Moga and co. go at their new homes next year. But as an Eels supporter, it is always darkest before the dawn mate, so don't lose heart.

mark ashford's picture

Thanks Baggy
Wayne Bennett's private life has intruded into his popularity and maybe his ability as a coach and some say on retention.
I come from a background of Bennett lovers but a lot seem to have lost that support. I wonder if it has seeped through to the players.
A question?
Is a players greatest motivation to win a premiership or to earn the most money he can.
Ben Hunt has ticked both boxes, being on huge money and a chance to win the big one with the Dragons.
Adam Blair who only ever showed some promise at the Broncs has gone to the Warriors who may never win anything.
Herman Esse Esse & Tatou Moga who also showed some ability have gone to the Knights, who have let their best player go (Gagai) and will probably feature in the spoon contention next year.
So I guess I have answered my question, it's not glory, it's MONEY.

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