NRL grand final: Cronulla Sharks defeat Melbourne Storm to claim first premiership

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Sorry, this video has expired Video: Cronulla Sharks defeat Melbourne Storm for first premiership (ABC News)

A gritty, lung-busting display from the Cronulla Sharks has seen the club claim its first-ever premiership with a 14-12 win over Melbourne Storm.

A 70th-minute try from prop forward Andrew Fifita helped the Sharks overcome a second-half surge from the Storm in front of 83,625 fans at Sydney's Olympic stadium on Sunday night, bringing to an end a 49-year title drought.

The Sharks had a sensational first 40 minutes but only led 8-0 at the half-time thanks to a Ben Barba try, before the Storm surged in the second term to wrestle the advantage away from them.

Fifita's converted try was enough to take the lead back and some gutsy last-ditch defending from the Sharks saw them send retiring hooker Michael Ennis out a winner and meant captain Paul Gallen has finally claimed some silverware at club level.

Will Chambers, whose brilliant second-half try had put the Storm in front with 15 minutes to go, missed a golden opportunity to win the game at the death for his side when he opted against an inside ball to an open Cooper Cronk who could have strolled over the line.

"I'm just numb," Cronulla coach Shane Flanagan said after the win.

"We got behind then fought our way back with a great try to Andrew and to scramble like we did at the end, it's just unbelievable.

"We fought our way back into it. I thought the Storm were coming over the top of us in the second half but we showed so much resilience, so tough and with a crowd like this it's just unbelievable."

The Sharks built an 8-0 lead by the half-time whistle, but such was their dominance they could have led by a try or two more. A pattern emerged early, and that consisted of Cronulla's big forwards powering through the middle and the Storm players back-peddling as they attempted to keep pace.

James Maloney was superb as he controlled the match from five-eighth, and he played a big part in his side enjoying 60 per cent of possession in the first 40 minutes.

His decision-making about whether to pass, kick or sidestep defenders was spot-on from the get-go, and his combination with Cronulla's speedy backs added some salt to the pepper being provided by the likes of Gallen and Fifita.

Luke Lewis was a worthy Clive Churchill medal winner; offering a constant attacking menace but also put in a huge shift in defence, with his performance epitomising Cronulla's showing on the night.

Melbourne's captain Cameron Smith completed an astonishing 74 tackles, a demonstration of how much pressure the Sharks piled on the Storm across the 80 minutes.

Smith was typically gracious in defeat, acknowledging Cronulla's magical moment.

"On behalf of the entire Melbourne Storm footy club, I'd like to congratulate the Sharks," he said after the game.

"You guys have been waiting a very long time for this moment. It's taken a lifetime ... and I hope you enjoy it."

Cronulla starts with a bang

The first flare up of the game came when Koroibete collected Chad Townsend around the lower jaw with a swinging arm and the bulk of the players piled into an angry scuffle.

The upshot was the Storm winger, who is leaving for rugby union next season, going on report, and the Sharks taking the lead as Maloney converted the penalty.

Lewis came desperately close on a slide to the line after Maloney had sliced through, but moments later Cronulla had the opening try courtesy of an old-school scrum-base play.

Gallen picked the ball up and handed it to a peeled-off Barba, who scooted in for a brilliantly executed try. It was the kind of play you would expect Melbourne to pull out, but on this occasion it handed the Sharks a handy 8-0 early lead.

The team in sky blue had kept up an incredible level of intensity for the first quarter of the game and the Melbourne players already looked exhausted, struggling to keep pace with the play.

A Smith knock-on with four minutes to play in the half meant the Storm were forced into more desperation tackling in order to stay in touch on the scoreboard, and some dogged defending saw them remain within eight points at the break.

Storm stars emerge from their slumber in second half

The Melbourne forwards' lack of impact took its toll on the halves, with Cooper Cronk barely featuring until late in the game.

When the Storm finally found themselves in an attacking position early in the second half, Cronk's rushed attacking kick more sideways than forwards, and the Sharks' line remained unbreached.

Next set, the Storm did cross that line, though, as Jordan McClean smashed his way to within two metres of the tryline before Jesse Bromwich crashed over for their first try of the game.

It was a try out of almost nothing, but after Smith converted, the scoreboard showed the margin had been closed to just two points and Storm had the wind at their tails.

A game of thrust and parry developed as the match entered its final 20 minutes, with both defences hanging on. It was the Sharks, who had so much less work to do in the first half, who seemed to have that little bit more in the tank.

It was the Storm's key players who stood up, however, with Smith finally taking charge through the middle and Cronk finding his passing and kicking rhythm.

The half-back was involved as the Storm took the lead for the first time in the grand final after 65 minutes, but most of the credit must go to the scorer Chambers, who produced the flashiest moves of the Big Dance.

From broken play, the Melbourne centre sent Ennis hurling off in the wrong direction and zipped past Gerard Beale as well to score the try of the night.

That lead lasted just five minutes until, down the other end, Ennis fed Fifita and the huge prop monstered his way over the line despite the presence of five Storm defenders. Maloney's conversion meant Cronulla had a 14-12 lead with 10 minutes to play.

"What a way to end. I thought it had got past me when Chambers scored," Ennis said.

"That Melbourne wall, we just couldn't find a way through. And then, we just did it. It's unbelievable."

Topics: nrl, rugby-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, melbourne-3000, cronulla-2230

First posted </s> Sydney Roosters win NRL grand final against Melbourne Storm, as it happened

The Roosters win their first NRL premiership in five years, as they defeat the Storm 21-6 in the grand final.

Relive all the action as it happened in our grand final blog. </s> SYDNEY: Rugby league’s most polarising figure Andrew Fifita helped end rugby league’s longest title drought, leading Cronulla to a 14-12 win over Melbourne in the NRL grand final yesterday.

 Fifita was brilliant in an extended first-half stint in which he ran for more than 100m and produced when it mattered most in the second half to end the Sharks’ 49-year search for a premiership.

 With Melbourne leading 12-8 late into the game after a gutsy fightback built on the back of an incredible defensive effort, Fifita produced an on-field performance at ANZ Stadium for which he will be forever remembered.

 The NSW prop wrestled with four Storm defenders on the Melbourne tryline before spinning his arms free and grounding the ball in the 69th minute.

 James Maloney converted to give the Sharks a 14-12 lead.

 But the game was far from over and the Sharks spent much of the final 10 minutes defending valiantly to secure the club’s first title.

 Suliasi Vunivalu ignored an unmarked Cooper Cronk with two minutes to go before Sharks centre Ricky Leutele killed the Storm’s final attacking play when he tackled Marika Koroibete just short of the Sharks line as the fulltime siren sounded.

 “I can’t tell you how good I feel,” Sharks skipper Paul Gallen told Channel Nine.

 “I can’t believe this, after all the hard work we have put it.

 “It is incredible.”

 The Sharks’ win comes two years after they claimed the wooden spoon after being rocked by the ASADA scandal.

 Fifita made headlines earlier this season due to his support of convicted killer Kieran Loveridge.

 “I am lost for words,” Fifita said.

 “To score the winning try is incredible, I don’t know where it came from. I was just rolling.”

 Cronulla dominated early.

 Marika Koroibete hit Chad Townsend with a high tackle in the sixth minute that was put on report and James Maloney kicked the first points of the match via the ensuing penalty.

 Six minutes later Cronulla cracked Melbourne’s famed defence as Paul Gallen worked a scrum move from 10m out to put Ben Barba over for an 8-0 lead.

 Will Chambers beat Gerard Beale out wide in the 64th minute to put Melbourne ahead for the first time in the game. Cameron Smith converted to give the Storm a 12-8 lead.

 The Storm had held the Sharks out time and time again on their own line in the second half, but finally cracked when Fifita crashed over.

 Melbourne pressed late but the Sharks held on and secured their fairytale win. – AAP </s> Good evening, welcome to this grand final live blog, a blow-by-blow account of the Cronulla Sharks’ attempt to overcome the weight of their own historical mediocrity, and the might of the Melbourne Storm, and win their first ever premiership after 50 years of trying!

Alternatively, welcome to this grand final live blog, a blow-by-blow account of the mighty Melbourne Storm’s attempt to snuff out the dreams of perennial losers, the Cronulla Sharks, and win their third (above board) premiership since joining the NRL in 1998!

It all depends of what perspective you take, doesn’t it?

What about the neutrals’ perspective? The overriding perception is that both teams don’t exactly tug on the heartstrings in the way that, say, a puppy dog rolling in toilet paper does. Or is supposed to. So, many neutrals may be apathetic at this stage as to which team to support.

For those who go beyond neutrality, for those who dislike both teams, “hate ’em!” even, well, they’re in a pickle. But at least they’ll have the consolation of seeing one team they loathe lose today. So that’s nice.

Strictly speaking, Cronulla are this year’s obligatory fairytale team and should attract the bulk of the support. Indeed, early scenes from the ground show a sea of light blue. Or that could just be the colour of the seats.

But as I said in my preview on Friday:

Quoting yourself, it’s desperate isn’t it? I suppose I could have spent precious time and said more or less the same thing again but in a slightly different way but sod that, right? So here I go again:

If the Sharks aren’t universally loved then neither are the Melbourne Storm who, in NSW at least, will forever be tarred with the Original Sin of being based in Victoria and of being born out of Super League in the way Damien (Omen) was born of a jackal. Oh, and there’s the don’t-mention-the-war matter of the salary cap rorting that saw the Storm stripped of both their 2007 and 2009 premiership titles.

Bit negative, right? But I feel it had to be acknowledged. To get it out of the way, like.

All this isn’t to say, of course, that there’s no interest in this game. It’s the grand final for crying out loud! I’m interested. You’re interested. It’s why we’re here.*

It’s also not to say that once the game gets underway neutrals may just find themselves drawn into a brief flirtation and cheering on one of the teams, just for the evening. Maybe even the haters might find the cloaks of bias and cynicism reefed from their shoulders.

Well, two things could happen. The Sharks will finally get something to put in their trophy cabinet (Do they even have a trophy cabinet? If so, what for?), or the Melbourne Storm, as relentless as a Terminator with OCD, will cap their sixth grand final appearance in 11 seasons with another premiership.

Join me, email me, tweet me. Share your thoughts, dear reader!

*I may also be getting paid. But don’t worry, it’s not much. You heard of shekels? </s> Tony and Judy Madden with son Sam after Cronulla's historic grand final win at ANZ Stadium.

RUGBY LEAGUE: Rockhampton's Tony Madden now knows nearly every word of the Sharks' anthem, Up Up Cronulla.

In fact, the club song is still ringing in his ears after it echoed constantly around ANZ Stadium as the Sharks played their way to an historic grand final win on Sunday night.

Tony and his wife Judy were among the 83,000-plus spectators on hand to witness the ground-breaking victory and most importantly to celebrate the integral part their son Sam had played in it.

Sam, 30, is the head physiotherapist at the Sharks, who ended their 49-year premiership drought with a gritty 14-12 win over the Melbourne Storm.

Tony said it was a proud moment for himself and Judy.

"It's a dream come true for Sam and for everyone at the Sharks,” he said from Sydney yesterday morning.

"My voice is a little bit croaky and I just about know all the words to Up Up Cronulla now.

"It was incredible to see Sam out on the field at the end soaking it all up with the players, the coaching staff and the board members.

"They were just slapping each other on the back and you just couldn't get the grin off his face. He just couldn't stop smiling.”

Decked out in Cronulla's colours, the Maddens headed to the stadium just after 3pm and settled in to watch the curtain raiser, the State Championship showdown between the Illawarra Cutters and the Burleigh Bears.

Tony said the crowd continued to build during that match, with the tide of black, blue and white supporters filling the stadium becoming a torrent about 5.30pm.

"The crowd was unbelievable, clapping and singing the whole way through.

"The atmosphere was incredible, it was electrifying.

"I've been to State of Origins and Test matches before but I've never experienced anything like that sort of atmosphere before.”

The Maddens had prime position, sitting on the 20m line on the northern end of the stadium where the three tries were scored.

"Cronulla certainly dominated the first half in regards to possession and attack and they really should have had more points on the board to be comfortable at half-time,” he said.

"The Storm had a much stronger half and really got back into the game.

"When Cronulla got the lead back again, the final hooter couldn't come quick enough for us.”

Tony said Luke Lewis was a deserving Clive Churchill medallist, having put in an extraordinary performance.

He was also amazed at how the crowd stayed at the stadium for more than an hour after the final finished to pay tribute to their sporting heroes.

"The crowd just stayed on and on and the team walked the whole way around the stadium.

"It was also wonderful to see the families there joining in.

"It was a great contest and a good outcome.

"We're still on a high.” </s> MELBOURNE, Sept 30 (Reuters) - The Sydney Roosters thrashed Melbourne Storm 21-6 in a one-sided National Rugby League Grand Final on Sunday to secure their 14th championship in the Australian top flight.

Daniel Tupou, Latrell Mitchell and Joseph Manu scored tries for the Roosters who charged out of the blocks to lead 18-0 at halftime before closing out the victory with a dogged defensive effort at Sydney Olympic stadium.

The Trent Robinson-coached Roosters claimed their first NRL title since 2013, while crushing the Storm's bid to become the first team to win back-to-back titles since the Brisbane Broncos in 1992-93.

Melbourne's loss was a bitter ending to the career of one of the game's finest fullbacks, with retiring international Billy Slater bowing out in disappointment. (Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Toby Davis) </s> The Sydney Roosters spoiled Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater's rugby league farewell with a comprehensive victory in the NRL Grand Final.

Slater was cleared to play in the showpiece after avoiding suspension for a shoulder charge in the semi-finals.

The 35-year-old has won two NRL Premierships and two World Cups, plus eight State of Origin championships.

But he could do little to stop a rampant Rooters side, coached by former Catalans Dragons coach Trent Robinson.

The Roosters themselves named former Storm star Cooper Cronk in their team after the 34-year-old passed a late fitness test on a shoulder injury, later revealed to be a broken shoulder blade.

Although Cronk, who spent 16 years at Melbourne before joining their rivals, was far from his best physically, his on-field experience played a massive part in helping his new side to their first title since 2013.

They made a great start with Daniel Tupou and Latrell Mitchell both crossing for tries within the first 15 minutes while Mitchell converted one and added a penalty.

Cameron Munster's sin-binning on 30 minutes allowed Mitchell to extend the lead by a further two points.

Sydney piled on the pressure and a pass from full-back James Tedesco sent Joseph Manu over in the corner and although Mitchell was unable to convert, it left Roosters in a dominant position at the break.

Melbourne tried to challenge the Sydney line after the break but were unable to get the final pass away as the Roosters held firm.

The Storm finally got on the scoreboard on 62 minutes when an errant pass from the otherwise outstanding Luke Keary was intercepted by Josh Addo-Carr and he raced 85 metres for a try, converted by Cameron Smith.

A Keary drop goal eased the Roosters nerves and when Munster was sin-binned for a second time with two minutes to play, Mitchell had the final say with another penalty. </s> The NRL Grand Final gets underway this Sunday with Sydney Roosters vs Melbourne Storm in Australia’s showpiece event.

Aussie rugby league is the envy of the sport and this promises to be an epic Down Under today.

In a shock twist ahead of kick off, the Roosters medical staff have cleared star man Cooper Cronk of a shoulder injury.

It means he will likely start the 2018 NRL Grand Final. Here’s how you can watch it live. </s> SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cooper Cronk leaves speaks to the media with his arm in a sling during a Sydney Roosters NRL media opportunity at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Cooper Cronk leaves speaks to the media with his arm in a sling during a Sydney Roosters NRL media opportunity at the Sydney Cricket Ground on September 24, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images) Matt King

OPINION: A hugely successful #FreeBilly campaign, a seemingly serious shoulder injury to Sydney Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk and a slew of experienced finals campaigners almost makes the Melbourne Storm unbackable favourites to be the first back-to-back NRL premiers since the Broncos of 1992-93.

Both the Storm and Roosters will take exceptionally strong squads into the grand final. Even if they're forced to play without Cronk, the Roosters have enough class, points, and defence to find a way past the defending premiers.

The teams boast incredibly similar attacking and defensive stats. After 24 games, the Roosters scored six more points than their southern counterparts, and conceded two fewer points.

In the one clash between the two powerhouses this season, the Storm won a thrilling Adelaide Oval clash by just one point, when captain Cameron Smith slotted a field goal in the 78th minute.

A grand final is a completely game to any played during the regular season - any person who has played any sport at any level would tell you that.

It is not about an overall picture, there is no other game to make up for mistakes, and there is no forgiveness. All fans will remember is what happens in that 80 minute period (plus extra time if its required), and that's where the loss of Cronk will be most felt.

The Storm have a side dotted with former Origin winners and NRL premiers in key positions. Think Smith, Billy Slater and Will Chambers.

The Roosters have similar in James Tedesco, Luke Keary and Boyd Cordner, but Cronk - an incredible halfback who has done it all before - is the key that makes every part of the Roosters machine work.

TIP: Storm by four, Slater for the Clive Churchill Medal.
In Australian rugby league, the Cronulla Sharks defeat the Melbourne Storm 14–12 to win their first premiership after 50 years in the competition.