HOW MELBOURNE SHAPE UP FOR THE NRL GRAND FINAL:
* Fullback – Billy Slater:
Age: 34, NRL games: 298, grand finals: 5
Season stats: Tries – 10, Try assists – 18, Kick return metres – 484
Slater’s return is the major difference in Melbourne’s attack from last year’s grand-final loss. Yet to reveal if he’ll play in 2018, the veteran has been close to his blistering best in 2017.
* Winger – Suliasi Vunivalu:
Age: 21, NRL games 46, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 23, average metres: 121, tackle busts: 83
A real strike weapon out wide. Has averaged a try a game over the first two years of his career, posing a huge threat when in open space and in the air.
* Centre – Will Chambers:
Age: 29, NRL games: 171, grand finals: 2
Season stats: Tries – 7, average metres: 116, tackle busts: 35
Solid as ever in the centres, the Queensland State of Origin representative will provide pinpoint service for Vunivalu on the right edge.
* Centre – Curtis Scott:
Age: 19, NRL games: 14, grand finals: 0
Season stats: Tries – 5, average metres: 112, tackle busts: 40
Rookie Scott has enjoyed an impressive season since replacing injured Cheyse Blair in round 15. Has a turn of speed and agility that could trouble the Cowboys.
* Winger – Josh Addo-Carr:
Age 22, NRL games: 35, grand finals: 0
Season stats: Tries – 21, average metres: 130, tackle busts: 103
Just when fans questioned how Melbourne could replace Marika Koroibete, the flying Fox turned up from the Wests Tigers. Surprisingly powerful and fast on his feet.
* Five-eighth – Cameron Munster:
Age: 21, NRL games: 64, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 1, try assists – 13, line-break assists – 23
Won’t be overawed playing in the halves on such a big stage after his impressive debut for Queensland in the Origin decider. Might be battling Cowboys’ Michael Morgan for a World Cup spot.
* Halfback – Cooper Cronk:
Age: 33, NRL Ggmes: 322, grand finals: 6
Season stats: Tries – 6, try assists – 22, line-break assists – 19
Teammates are desperate to send the veteran Test half off with another premiership in his last game for the club. Watch for his slick short-passing game to exploit any openings in the Cowboys’ defence.
* Prop – Jesse Bromwich:
Age: 28, NRL games: 181, grand finals: 2
Season stats: Tries – 1, average metres – 113, average tackles – 21
Determined to end his rollercoaster year on a high and repay his club after being banned from Kiwi World Cup selection over his Canberra cocaine scandal. Will provide Melbourne’s grunt and muscle up front.
* Hooker – Cameron Smith (capt):
Age: 34, NRL games: 357, grand finals: 5
Season stats: Tries – 2, average tackles – 34.3, try assists – 14
Easily the Storm’s best this year in both defence and attack. The skipper’s game management and silky skills out of dummy-half make him a constant threat. Don’t be surprised if he boots a 40-20 to take control of the match.
* Prop – Jordan McLean:
Age: 26, NRL games: 85, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 0, average metres – 100, average tackles – 20
Last game for Melbourne before he moves to the Cowboys. Has become a potential Kangaroos World Cup bolter with his strong form this season.
* Second row – Felise Kaufusi:
Age: 25, NRL games: 64, grand finals: 0
Season stats: Tries – 8, average metres – 83, average tackles – 31.2
Emerged as a star in the back row after being overlooked for last year’s grand final. His combination with Billy Slater on the right edge is one of the Storm’s most-dangerous attacking plays.
* Second row – Tohu Harris:
Age: 25, NRL games: 116, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 3, average metres – 106, average tackles – 26.9
Talented forward whose ball playing complements his knack of running the right line in attack. Departs Melbourne for the Warriors after the grand final.
* Lock – Dale Finucane:
Age: 26, NRL games: 141, grand finals: 2
Season stats: Tries – 3, average metres – 91.4, average tackles – 31.7
Looking to finally secure a grand-final win after previous attempts at Canterbury and Melbourne. Will be tough as nails as always in the middle.
* Interchange – Kenny Bromwich:
Age: 26, NRL games: 97, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 3, average metres – 113, average tackles – 22.5
Provides a point of difference for the Storm with his ability to offload late and use his footwork.
* Interchange – Tim Glasby:
Age: 28, NRL games: 85, grand finals: 1
Season stats: Tries – 2, average metres – 83, average tackles – 23.1
Earned a shock Queensland Origin call-up on the back of his solid defence, and the Cowboys should expect no different from him on Sunday.
* Interchange – Nelson Asofa-Solomona:
Age: 21, NRL games: 52, grand finals: 0
Season stats: Tries – 4, average metres – 80, average tackles – 16.7
Kiwi giant who will provide great impact off the bench.
* Interchange – Slade Griffin:
Age: 26, NRL games: 24, grand finals: 0
Season stats: Tries – 0, average metres – 32, average tackles – 18.1
Will provide utility value off the bench, mostly at hooker.