The 2013 NRL Grand Final will be decided by the minor premiers the Roosters and Sea Eagles.
These are two clubs with proud traditions and diehard supporters: Manly is often regarded as the NRL’s most hated club, while the Roosters are often ridiculed for having no fans, but it is a fact that both clubs represent Sydney’s most affluent and exclusive areas in the Northern Beaches and Eastern Suburbs.
The Sydney Roosters have beaten the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles three times already this year, and enter into the Grand Final on Sunday with a degree of confidence.
The Sea Eagles, although defeated three times, have fought out their games to within narrow margins (the last time going down in the semi-final 4-0) and have plans for winning the big one – especially with captain Jamie Lyon, who has a reputation as being one of the game’s best on-field leaders. His smart play and leadership will be the x-factor for Manly in what is shaping up to be a closely fought contest, but also watch out for Brett Stewart – he may play the game of his life.
On the other side of the centre line, the Sydney Roosters are ready to take on Manly because they feel that they can go for four out of four wins over the Sea Eagles. Anthony Minichiello has enjoyed a fine first season as captain, and will lead out the Roosters he made his debut for in 2000 at ANZ Stadium against Manly on Sunday – however, he dismisses the prospect of potentially becoming the first player to play in five losing NRL grand finals. The most high profile player on the park will be Roosters second-rower and ex-boxer Sonny Bill Williams, who has the ability to turn the game on his own in Sydney’s favour.
Away from finals preparation, Melbourne Storm half-back Cooper Cronk secured his first Dally M Medal in one of the closest finishes in the award’s history this week. In a thrilling result, Cronk finished on 28 votes, just two ahead of fellow playmakers Daly Cherry-Evans, Johnathan Thurston and Todd Carney, who all tied for second on rugby league’s night of nights in Sydney. Russell Crowe added some star power to the event, with the actor and South Sydney owner using his Academy Award experience to humorously smooth over some technical problems and count down to Cronk’s dramatic win.
Whatever the weather, crowd or television audience, this is one game that will grab rugby league fans’ attention. It promises to be a hard-fought tight game and something even more, being the Grand Final – these two sides were almost inseparable this year, and at the end of 80 minutes, could force the game into extra time.