NRL 2024 Grand Final Preview

By Stephen Gallagher

SUNDAY: Storm (1) V Panthers (2) – Accor Stadium  -21.30NZT

This is the pinnacle of the National Rugby League season. Fittingly, it’s the two best sides of the competition squaring off for glory.

It was 2020, the last time these two played off in the Grand Final. Well documented of how the Panthers lost, despite their epic comeback. How the Storm bullied them off the pitch, and a Penrith vow to never be bullied like that again.

And they haven’t. We’ve seen three straight seasons of pure dominance. The first to do so since the Parramatta Eels of 81, 82, 83.

So it’s quite fitting that these two teams play off again. A full circle moment. Can the Storm be the only side to beat Penrith in the last game of the season, or will the Panthers do what was a dream five years ago, and win four straight premierships?

Melbourne were deserved winners of the JJ Giltinan Shield. Wrapping up that Minor Premiership title with three weeks to go. They defeated Penrith twice in the regular season, which I am sure is a stinging needle of disappointment for the Panthers who look to remedy that this Sunday.

And speaking of deserved winners. Jahrome Hughes. My God. What a season. Arguably the greatest running half in NRL history takes home the Dally M player of the year. And despite only winning it by a point, I believe it was daylight in second place.

This Storm side have had an interesting year. A side that’s usually so sound defensively, have conceded fifty points more than what Penrith have during the regular season.

So that tells us, this Melbourne side are good enough to look for points and have the confidence to outscore their opponents.

And for Penrith, as bad as this sounds, I would consider this to be the worst side they’ve had in their run of five-straight Grand Finals. But that’s not the diss it sounds. A side that’s been pillaged every year since the dynasty began – is still getting the job done. Still a defensive powerhouse, and if it wasn’t for a shoddy Bunker call last week that saw the Sharks march down the field and score, they would have kept Cronulla to two points.

What I enjoy about the 2024 Melbourne Storm is their ability to score points, and just how easy they make it look sometimes. The rise of their youngsters, the maturing of their halves, and the raw pace most of them sport, it’s so impressive to watch.

I want to single out Jack Howarth, before I get into more of the preview of this side. He’s really found a home in the centres. Signed one of the biggest deals a Storm player has ever signed, a 5-year deal two years ago – it felt like we were never going to see this young Kiwi gun unleashed.

And in his first full season, is 80 minutes away from winning a Premiership ring.

He’s strong, he’s fast, and he’s found a home inside Xavier Coates and has shone so brightly for a young bloke. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him don the Kiwis jersey in the Pacific Championships.

Where I see Melbourne winning this match is with the form of their spine finding their feet at the right end of the season.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes and Harry Grant played their best game as a spine last week against the Chooks. By far and away their best performance together. And you know what? It was bloody scary at just how hot they looked. There was no stopping them. 

Papenhuyzen getting his confidence back in his body and his speed is still the kicker at the back.

Munster, even with all his injuries this year lives for big games. There’s no doubt what he can do in the biggest stage.

Hughes is in the form of his life. The best halfback in the comp this season, and is destined to steer this side to more glory.

Grant was slow to start the year, but has definitely finished with a bang. So good to watch when he’s on.

These four men, as cliche as it sounds, hold the keys to success for this Melbourne Storm in the Grand Final.

It’s actually crazy to think about what the Penrith Panthers have delivered over the last five seasons. It feels like we’ve just accepted greatness without appreciating what it truly is.

If they win on Sunday, they will have won four premiership titles in a row. Which, to me, felt like something I would never ever see. Especially in a salary cap era.

If you look at last weeks’ performance, they never got out of second gear. I reckon maybe they were looking to shift into third when they scored those two late tries, but barely.

And at first, at the ground watching it unfold. I felt nervous for them. Apprehensive at the fact they hadn’t put Cronulla away after 40 and put the cue in the rack.

But I don’t think that’s really Penrith’s style. They are the sort of team that can play their way for 80 minutes, even if the opposition are up for it – and still get a result.

Their defense is much to admire. The way they can hold their line time after time is impressive. It’s what I believe is the key to their victory.

We know they have the ability to wear down opponents on attack. We know what Nathan Cleary can pull out when they’re on the backfoot – but the undeniable trust they have as a unit on the field makes me believe they can defend their way to victory.

What to expect on Sunday? Well, everything. I know that Penrith’s comeback win last year was one for the ages. They were down and out until a Nathan Cleary 40/20 single-handedly turned the game.

Melbourne are strong starters. Out the gates, they have to fire some shots early and do what they can to turn pressure and possession into points. The big loss is Nelson Asofa-Solomona up front. A player that attracts of lot of attention with or without the ball missing is a win for the Panthers. In his place comes Lazarus Vaalepu. The most inexperienced player to play in a Grand Final in the NRL era. This game could either make him or break him. I wish only good things for this young hulking bloke.

The linking of their spine has to be on. Every time that the Panthers turn them away is a win to them. 

I can’t see Hughes or Munster getting flustered because they are primed veterans, but they have to control the flow of the game and keep Penrith slow and low.

For the Panthers to win this, it’s going to be off the back of their back three. Edwards, To’o, and Turuva. The amount of work these three amass is incredible, and they do so without seemingly breaking a sweat. I think the Storm will kick for touch a lot to stop those running meters which gives them such a leg up.

If the Panthers get 20 to 30 meters off their first couple of tackles from this, they are instantly on the front foot and playing the game they want. Luai and Cleary link so well with Yeo at 13 that it’s second nature for this side. They can get it done. And even when you don’t think they can, keep your eyes on Nathan Cleary to do something special. This bloke loves September football.

If you’re asking me for a prediction – I’m going low-scoring. Modern-day low-scoring that is. 18-14 to Penrith. I genuinely believe they will win four straight. Luai, Turuva, and Fisher-Harris will bow out of their Panthers tenure with more rings than you can shake a stick at.

I love a second-rower as first try scorer. I’m going Luke Garner to get the games first.

Clive Churchill medal winner? I’m going with Luai.

Enjoy the NRL Grand Final. It’s the final we deserve. The two best teams all year long. I can’t wait.

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