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The Penrith Panthers will aim for their first NRL premiership in 17 years when they face Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
A GUIDE TO THE NRL GRAND FINAL BETWEEN PENRITH AND MELBOURNE
Sunday, October 25
Penrith Panthers v Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium, 7.30pm
Played: 35, Panthers won 9, Storm won 26
Most recent match: Panthers bt Storm 21-14 at Campbelltown Stadium in round six.
THE FORM
*Penrith (H&A first, 18 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw). They are on the hottest streak in the game with 17 straight wins - equalling the longest stretch of victories in the NRL. A win on Sunday night would give them the outright record.
*Melbourne (H&A second, 16 wins, four losses). Finished second behind the minor premiers after losing just four games this season. Their most recent loss was in round 20 against St George Illawarra, but coach Craig Bellamy had rested almost all of his regular starters.
THE KEY PLAYERS
* Nathan Cleary (Penrith). He was pipped at the post for the Dally M but there is no denying he has been one of the best players of the 2020 NRL season. The 22-year-old Panthers halfback has 17 try-assists for the season and his kicking game has been supreme.
* Cameron Smith (Melbourne). Sunday's grand final will be his 430th NRL game, and perhaps his last. But while speculation will surround him and his retirement decision leading into the game, his razor focus on the night will be key for a Storm premiership.
* Vilame Kikau (Penrith). Sidelined through suspension for the preliminary final, Kikau will be full of pent-up energy on Sunday night. One of the most difficult players in the competition to handle, the 25-year-old will be a terror on the left edge.
* Ryan Papenhuyzen (Melbourne). This will be the first grand final for the young fullback who has lit up the competition with speed and skill this season. At just 22, Papenhuyzen is averaging over 190 metres per game and can tear a contest open around tired defence.
THE COACHES
* This will be Craig Bellamy's eighth grand final as Melbourne coach and his fourth in five seasons. He will be aiming for his second premiership across the same period.
* Penrith's Ivan Cleary was named coach of the year at the Dally Ms on Monday night just five years after he was sacked by the club. Making the grand final for the Panthers for the first time in 17 years is his redemption story. This will be his second grand final as a coach after taking the Warriors to the 2011 decider.
THE STATS
* Penrith are the best defensive team in the competition this season, averaging just 11.9 points conceded per game. Melbourne leak slightly more with 13.8 per game.
* Penrith have kicked four field goals this year, more than any other side, and have run 3600 more metres in 22 games this season than Melbourne.
