Tipping the winner of Sunday’s grand final between the Storm and Roosters is so difficult. I’ve had to base my decision on who I’m going for, and that’s the Storm.
Not much separates these sides. They both have calculated and talented playmakers and neither lacks hard workers. I think we’re going to see a tough, relentless form of rugby league, because it’s what both teams are best at.
Melbourne have the experience, but when I look at the Roosters I see a team that has a lot of desperation and an obvious desire to win.
Relentless: Cameron Smith is made for the grind of a grand final.
Ultimately, this year’s title will go to the team that’s willing to work harder and is prepared to put up with the discomfort that comes with a hard game.
The relentless brand of football I’m expecting is what Melbourne skipper Cameron Smith was born for. He’s mastered the knack of making the right decisions at the right time and doing little things, such as kicking for repeat sets, which help his team gain the momentum needed to change a game – especially a big game where the two teams are even.
Another important quality Smith provides Melbourne with is a sense of calmness. That’s important because attitude is contagious in footy teams and when you look at the Storm they always appear to be so calm, collected and confident in everything that they do.
While the first few days of grand final week were dominated by Billy Slater’s controversial escape at the judiciary for an alleged shoulder charge, I’m happy we’ve been given the opportunity to watch him play one more time.
It excites me to think what Billy might do out there for the Storm. He’s had a big week, now all he needs to do is go out and play a bit of football.
The Roosters had to fight tooth and nail to make the grand final, and from what I saw in their preliminary final against Souths last week they seemed to really want it. That’s not to say Melbourne don’t feel the same way, but the Roosters’ defensive effort against the Rabbitohs showed how driven and determined they are.
Something not even the best coach can teach his players is to play with pride, passion and a willingness to roll their sleeves up and work hard. They’re characteristics that appear to come naturally for Trent Robinson’s men.
I know some people might think Melbourne should be the favourites after they qualified for the grand final with a comprehensive win over the Sharks. It was certainly a lot easier compared to the Roosters’ path.
Sam Bremner.
However, I think it can sometimes be advantageous to go into a final after a tough, gruelling win because you know your team haswhat it takes to win tough.Winning the grand final is the same as winning any other game of rugby league – it’s about seizing your opportunities. Melbourne and the Roosters are teams that do that. In fact, that was the difference between them and the other teams who aren’t in the grand final.
- Sam Bremner is an Australian representative player.
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