NRL 2016 Grand Final Preview and Betting Tips

Storm v Sharks Sat 2 Oct, 7:15PM, ANZ Stadium

The 2016 NRL Grand Final presents us the Melbourne Storm facing the Cronulla Sharks this Sunday night in a mouth-watering clash between two of the best performing teams in the 2016 season. The Sharks dominated for most of the year with an unprecedented winning run of 16 games, after which Melbourne took the mantle of competition leaders to finish the season as minor premiers.

It was worrying signs for the Sharks as the Shire club headed into the play-offs out of form, however an upset over the Raiders in week one of the finals set the tone for the Cronulla club’s premiership tilt. And after an impressive win over the Cowboys last week, the Sharks will head into the 2016 grand final looking to repay the loyalty to the fans who stuck solid during the dark days of the ASADA controversy.

Unlike their opposition, the Storm headed into the 2016 season written off by many critics, who saw a season ending injury to Billy Slater as a massive hole in the Storm’s premiership chances but the rise of Cameron Munster at fullback has covered the absence of the regular Queensland and Australian representative. 

The Sharks will welcome back Sam Tagataese and Joseph Paulo on the bench with Kurt Capewell moving to 18th man, while the Storm will go into the match unchanged, with Felise Kaufusi, Matt White, Ryan Morgan, Slade Griffin and Young Tonumaipea joining an extended bench.

It will be an extremely physical game between two clubs who have set the bar for intensity amongst other teams in 2016. Both teams sport an intimidating forward rotation and a defensive resolve that should keep the scoring relatively low.

Expect an extremely close contest with both clubs possessing very competent kickers. The game will be one of inches and each team will likely be relying primarily on the mistakes or fatigue of their opposition for scoring opportunities. In a contest where the Sharks bring enthusiasm and the Storm experience, expect the more seasoned Melbourne to get the points. 

Betting Tips:

Storm Head to Head @ $1.88 (Ladbrokes)

Total Match Points Under 34.5 @ $1.90 (Sportsbet)

Best Bet

Storm Head to Head @ $1.88 (Ladbrokes)