PENPIX OF NRL GRAND FINAL TEAMS MELBOURNE AND SYDNEY ROOSTERS
MELBOURNE
Fullback
BILLY SLATER
Age: 35
NRL games: 318
Finals games: 31
The stage is set for arguably the game’s greatest fullback to bow out a winner after sensationally escaping a shoulder charge ban at the NRL judiciary.
Winger
SULIASI VUNIVALU
Age: 22
NRL games: 69
Finals games: 8
Still knows his way to the try line but is more than just a finisher at the Storm this year, rolling up his sleeves and finding work.
Centre
WILL CHAMBERS
Age: 30
NRL games: 190
Finals games: 17
One of the NRL’s premier defensive centres, the Queenslander lines up against the man who dominated him in Origin this year – Latrell Mitchell.
Centre
CURTIS SCOTT
Age: 20
NRL games: 38
Finals games: 5
A classic old head on young shoulders, the powerful 20-year-old adds defensive venom and can also provide plenty of punch – just ask Dylan Walker.
Winger
JOSH ADDO-CARR
Age: 23
NRL games: 60
Finals games: 5
Considered the NRL’s fastest player, “The Fox” appears back to his wily best after a post-Origin hangover with a Kangaroos call-up in his sights.
Five-eighth
CAMERON MUNSTER
Age: 24
NRL games: 88
Finals games: 10
Set to become NRL hot property when off contract in November, the gifted playmaker is the key for Melbourne after taking his game to another level this year
Halfback
BRODIE CROFT
Age: 21
NRL games: 16
Finals games: 2
Melbourne took their time finding the right fit for the big shoes left by Cooper Cronk before deciding on Croft over Jahrome Hughes and Ryley Jacks.
Prop
JESSE BROMWICH
Age: 29
NRL games: 201
Finals games: 18
The undisputed leader of the Storm pack, the Kiwi giant has also been nurturing the likes of Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the club.
Hooker
CAMERON SMITH
Age: 35
NRL games: 383
Finals games: 35
Poised to become the first player to notch 400 games next year but the former Test skipper has teased he may hang up his boots if the Storm win.
Prop
TIM GLASBY
Age: 29
NRL games: 109
Finals games: 11
The workaholic, no frills Queensland forward looks set to defy a painful rib injury to renew his front-row pairing with Bromwich.
Second-row
FELISE KAUFUSI
Age: 26
NRL games: 85
Finals games: 5
A damaging line runner, Kaufusi will hope to cap a breakthrough season in which he nailed down a Queensland back-row start.
Second-row
JOE STIMSON
Age: 22
NRL games: 38
Finals games: 2
Melbourne’s unsung hero who has stepped up after Kiwi international Tohu Harris’ Warriors defection to ensure there is no back-row weak link.
Lock
DALE FINUCANE
Age: 27
NRL games: 159
Finals games: 18
One of the Storm’s toughest, the experienced forward has been tipped for 2019 NSW Origin honours
Interchange
KEN BROMWICH
Age: 27
NRL games: 122
Finals games: 12
Younger brother of Jesse, tough as teak backrower has made a name for himself off the bench
CHRISTIAN WELCH
Age: 24
NRL games: 60
Finals games: 4
The year’s big improver, the tackling machine is earmarked for a Queensland debut next year.
NELSON ASOFA-SOLOMONA
Age: 22
NRL games: 76
Finals games: 7
The man mountain can be anything in the NRL and looks primed to terrorise the Roosters pack.
BRANDON SMITH
Age: 22
NRL games: 20
Finals games: 2
Considered Cam Smith’s No.9 replacement, the young gun has already made an impact as a bench utility.
SYDNEY ROOSTERS
Fullback
JAMES TEDESCO
Age: 25
NRL games: 114
Finals games: 2
Has already provided plenty of bang for buck since his Bondi Junction arrival but the NSW star can hit the jackpot with a premiership.
Winger
DANIEL TUPOU
Age: 27
NRL games: 133
Finals games: 13
Tongan international will be out for a second Roosters title in a devastating combination with Latrell Mitchell.
Centre
LATRELL MITCHELL
Age: 21
NRL games: 70
Finals games: 3
The NRL’s form centre will be hell bent to repay his teammates after missing their preliminary final win due to suspension.
Centre
JOSEPH MANU
Age: 22
NRL games: 44
Finals games: 2
Cut from the Roosters squad on the eve of last year’s finals series, the Kiwi native has made up for lost time in 2018.
Winger
BLAKE FERGUSON
Age: 28
NRL games: 191
Finals games: 9
The in-form veteran is hoping for a winning farewell in his long career’s first grand final before leaving for Parramatta.
Five-eighth
LUKE KEARY
Age: 26
NRL games: 111
Finals games: 8
Showed he was ready to step up for the Roosters by inspiring their preliminary final win, picking up the slack for an injured Cooper Cronk.
Halfback
MITCHELL AUBUSSON
Age: 30
NRL games: 262
Finals games: 18
Left-field No.7 pick but remains to be seen where the veteran utility plays with the Roosters sweating on injured ex-Test half Cronk (shoulder).
Prop
JARED WAEREA-HARGREAVES
Age: 29
NRL games: 198
Finals games: 14
A survivor of the 2013 premiership side, the Kiwi enforcer carried the Roosters pack into the decider in the absence of suspended prop Dylan Napa.
Hooker
JAKE FRIEND
Age: 28
NRL games: 237
Finals games: 16
The NRL’s top tackler, the Roosters co-captain is a relieved man after avoiding a dangerous throw ban from the preliminary final.
Prop
SIOSIUA TAUKEIAHO
Age: 26
NRL games: 88
Finals games: 7
The 108kg juggernaut has overcome an ankle concern and is primed to lock horns with fellow Kiwi Jesse Bromwich.
Second-row
BOYD CORDNER
Age: 26
NRL games: 148
Finals games: 11
Inspirational co-captain has not looked back since Phil Gould called for his sacking as NSW skipper and may yet land the Kangaroos gig.
Second-row
ISAAC LIU
Age: 27
NRL games: 133
Finals games: 11
Out to make amends after being cut from 2013 Roosters premiership team at last minute.
Lock
VICTOR RADLEY
Age: 20
NRL games: 27
Finals games: 2
One of the NRL’s hardest hitters, the young gun has been a revelation this season earning RLPA Rookie of the Year honours.
Interchange
DYLAN NAPA
Age: 25
NRL games: 121
Finals games: 8
Fiery at the best of times, the Queensland prop will be pumped to wreak havoc returning from a three-match high tackle ban.
ZANE TETEVANO
Age: 27
NRL games: 78
Finals games: 3
The once troubled Newcastle Knight is now a prized bench weapon, playing in every Roosters game this year.
PAUL MOMIROVSKI
Age: 22
NRL games: 2
Finals games: 1
The unheralded flyer is ready for more heroics, this time off the bench after his stunning preliminary final turn as fill-in centre for Mitchell.
RYAN MATTERSON
Age: 23
NRL games: 59
Finals games: 4
Back-rower’s last hurrah before leaving for a three-year Wests Tigers deal.
