Storm wins NRL premiership
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Melbourne Storm has finally turned its irresistible two year domination of the NRL into a premiership, with a ruthless 34-8 win over Manly in the NRL grand final at Telstra Stadium.
The Storm were dominant from the get-go, closing down any threat of Manly attack, while constantly looking dangerous with the ball.
Melbourne opened the scoring in the 13th minute, with Anthony Quinn crossing after a neat movement, which required the video referee to check a possible obstruction.
Greg Inglis then scored a terrific individual try in the 24th minute, kick starting a wonderful individual performance, culminating in the Clive Churchill medal.
Manly were shell shocked and hanging on for dear life, until an opportunist try to Steve Matai in the final minute of the opening half put the Sea Eagles within six points, giving Manly much needed hope.
That hope was quickly snuffed out early in the second half when Michael Crocker imposed himself on the contest. His influence beginning with a crunching tackle on Brett Stewart, knocking out Manly’s most potent attacking weapon. The crowd called for action on Crocker, who hit the Sea Eagles fullback after he took a bomb, however the tackle was deemed legitimate.
Just four minutes later, Crocker barged over to score a back-breaking try.
That try sparked an attacking frenzy, with Matt King scoring in his final Australian game, while Inglis confirmed his man of the match performance by skirting the sideline on his way to the line, taking Melbourne’s lead to 22-4.
Manly had a moment of levity when Jamie Lyon put Chris Hicks over, however the conversion attempt swung wide, snuffing out any minute chance of a comeback.
Melbourne put its stamp on the grand final with a try to Clint Newton, who started the season at Newcastle, while fellow former Novacastrian Quinn scored his second after a one-on-one strip on Lyon with two minutes remaining.
The 26 point margin is the biggest since the 1998 decider, where Brisbane beat Canterbury 38-12.
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