Melbourne Storm have had a remarkable 2024 NRL campaign and now get the chance to win the premiership when they take on Penrith Panthers in the grand final.
The Storm have been one of the most successful sides in recent NRL history, boasting players such as Billy Slater, Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk.
Now the current crop of stars have a chance to follow in their footsteps, led by super coach Craig Bellamy, who has been at the helm throughout the glory years.
They face one final hurdle and it does not get much bigger than the Panthers in Sydney.
But, if anyone can do it, the Storm can and they are priced at 1.91 to get the job done.
Let’s take a look at their route to the grand final and key players.
. What: Melbourne Storm v Penrith Panthers
. Where: Accor Stadium, Sydney
. When: 18:30 (AEST), Sunday 6th October
. How to watch: Foxtel, Kayo, Channel 9
. Odds: Melbourne Storm 1.91, Penrith Panthers 1.91
The Storm were the stars of the NRL regular season, as their position at the very top of the ladder proves.
Bellamy’s men won 19 games, losing just five, to finish four points ahead of the Panthers in second place.
Like most sides, the Storm had their fair share of injuries throughout the regular season, but had the strength in depth to cope.
In what turned out to be a dress rehearsal for the grand final, the Storm beat the Panthers by two points at Penrith Stadium in Round 24.
Into finals and the Storm have again dominated, booking their place in the preliminary final with a comfortable 37-10 win over the Cronulla Sharks.
Then in the preliminary final they ended up running over the Sydney Roosters 48-18 to set up the grand final date.
Now it is time one final test, the biggest of all, facing a Penrith side that has won the last three grand finals and who are itching for a fourth on the bounce.
It goes without saying that the Storm have a side packed with superstars and game-changers.
The return of Ryan Papenhuyzen has been crucial during in the 2024 campaign and he will be a huge player for the Storm in the grand final.
The fullback has put his injury issues behind him and was at his explosive best in the preliminary final win over the Roosters.
Papenhuyzen can be backed at 2.85 to grab a try at anytime in the grand final.
The halves combination of Jahrome Hughes and Cameron Munster is also one of the best in the NRL and Melbourne will be delighted to have them both fit and firing.
Wingers Will Warbrick and Xavier Coates have 25 tries between them this season and are both priced at 8.50 to grab the first on Sunday.
Hooker Harry Grant has also been at the top of his game and will need to be again when he faces the Panthers.
One big blow for the Storm is the loss of forward Nelson Asofa-Solomona, who is set to miss the grand final through suspension.