NRL fans unable to pick ‘clear’ winner
RUGBY LEAGUE: The most extraordinary NRL season in recent memory comes to a close tomorrow night, and The Chronicle looks to find you the winner of the big game.
Penrith comes into the grand final riding high on the back of 17-straight victories, a streak that started all the way back in June when they defeated their opponents, the Melbourne Storm.
The youthful side faces its biggest test to date, against a Storm side overflowing with big game experience, with nine players from the 2017 decider set to line up at ANZ Stadium.
We spoke to personalities across the TRL to get their thoughts on who will lift up the Provan-Summons Trophy.
TRAVIS BURNS (WATTLES) – The Panthers have a sentimental spot for Burns, where he enjoyed three seasons with the club, playing 56 games from 2010-12.
“I think it’s a 50-50 game. Obviously Melbourne will go in as favourites, but Penrith have got nothing to lose,” Burns said.
“There’s not too much pressure on them. The Panthers are the form team of the competition, and if Nathan Cleary plays well, I think they can win it.
“I spent some time there and played a few good years there, so I’ll be barracking for Penrith. It should be a good game.
“Cleary and (Jarome) Luai
are the form halves in the competition. They’re playing off the cuff.
“I’m tipping Penrith in a close one.”
Clive Churchill Medal prediction – Nathan Cleary EUGENE SEDDON
(WESTERN MUSTANGS) – The Western Mustangs Hastings Deering Colts coach is expecting the experience of Melbourne to come to the fore.
“I think the Storm will win, they’re just a class act,” Seddon said.
“That’s not discrediting the Panthers. A lot of Melbourne’s players have been there and done that.
“It’s a system and ma
chine that just keeps on producing, and they’re such a clinical side.
“It will be a cracking game. Penrith has won 17 in a row which isn’t easy to do. I don’t think their young players will be overawed.
“James Fisher-Harris will be a key in the middle, and Cleary has a great kicking game, I just think Melbourne has a bit too much class.”
Clive Churchill Medal prediction – Ryan Papenhuyzen
THE CHRONICLE’S SAY – Winning 17 games in a row is no mean feat, and it all started when the Panthers got over the top of the Storm many months ago.
Finals football is a different beast however, and after a sluggish start against the Eels in week one, Melbourne has been outstanding, including blowing Canberra off the park in the first 10 minutes in the preliminary final.
Penrith just wasn’t able to put the Rabbitohs to the sword last week, despite the fact Souths were down to 15 players for the last 50 minutes and looked out on their feet in the first half.
I think Melbourne’s spine is too classy, and they’ve got too much firepower across the park for the Panthers.
Clive Churchill Medal prediction – Jahrome Hughes