How the epic 2016 NRL grand final unfolded: Key moments

TIMELINE: The 2016 grand final was a big match full of small moments that decided the outcome. This is the timeline of events that led the Sharks to glory.

Paul Gallen lifts the Provan-Summons trophy.

The 2016 grand final was a big match full of small moments that decided the outcome.

This is the timeline of events that led the Sharks to glory over the Storm.

3 min

PENALTY

Bit of a fiery start that saw Ennis collect McLean high. Storm complete the following set by putting it over the sideline with composure in the Sharks half.

6 min

PENALTY

Another penalty for the Sharks as Koroibete takes Townsend high. And players have run in from everywhere to push and shove. Maloney is opting for the two points to get the Sharks on the board and he nails it. 2-0 to the Sharks.

12 min

GENERAL PLAY

This is really physical stuff from both sides. They're just trying to get through their sets but the hits are bone-rattling. Storm looking most dangerous down their left edge.

16 min

TRY

Maloney with a great line break. He gets the ball to Luke Lewis who slides agonisingly short of the try line. he'll be cursing the groundsmen for not shaving an extra millimetre from the lawn. But it doesn't matter because Barba crosses to score. Maloney converts so 8-0 to the Sharks.

19 min

INJURY

Jack Bird in all sorts of trouble on the sideline with an arm injury. Looks like an elbow hyperextension.

21 min

GENERAL PLAY

Sharks lucky not to concede a try there. All they did concede is a line drop-out. Will Storm make them pay? The answer is no. It's scrambling defence from the Sharks but they get the ball back.

35 min

GENERAL PLAY

We have a goal line drop-out from the Storm after the Sharks almost finished the set with a try. Both sides knocked on following the crossfield kick but it's the Storm that lose out there. The Sharks run the ensuing set back hard and it ends in a Cameron Smith knock-on.

40 min

HALFTIME

The Sharks take a lead into the break and you still have the feeling they are all over the Storm. The Sharks have controlled possession and made the Storm complete a mountain of defence.

44 min

GENERAL PLAY/PEN.

Sharks just picking up where they left off, forcing a line drop-out from the Storm. The end of the following set is diffused by Munster who shows great hands to pick up a grubber. Storm then get a penalty for staying in a tackle to get out of trouble.

47 min

PENALTY

Sharks win a penalty after the Storm were deemed to have lifted Feki into a dangerous position. A scuffle follows as Sharks players take offence to tackle.

50 min

TRY

Jesse Bromwich has crashed over to score a try against the run of play and Storm are back in it. Cam Smith knocks over the extras to make it 8-6 in favour of the Sharks.

54 min

INJURY

Injuries for the Sharks everywhere as the Storm start to claw their way back. Bukuya has gone down injured after copping a knee to the head. They've stopped play to have him assessed.

65 min

TRY

Storm take the lead with a cracking try to Will Chambers, again against the run of play. The Sharks have all the ball and create all the pressure but it's Melbourne getting the points. Smith nails the conversion and it's 12-10 to the Storm now.

67 min

PENALTY

Penalty to the Sharks for a Storm player lying in the ruck. Sharks are on the attack now but can they recapture the lead? That penalty is followed by another after Townsend is taken high on the fifth tackle in the Storm 20m zone.

70 min

TRY

Fifita has done nothing short of MUSCLE his way over the try line under the posts to tie things up. Maloney hits the conversion from right in front to reclaim the lead for the Sharks. It's 14-12.

74 min

GENERAL PLAY

Maloney kicks out on the full on the fifth tackle so Storm get it back on the halfway line. And the Sharks absolutely stuff the end of the Storm's set and have to take a line drop-out. Very lucky not to concede a try.

78 min

GENERAL PLAY

That set from the Storm was nothing short of bizarre. Chambers grubbers forward for himself and collects the ball before neglecting to pass to an unmarked Cronk. The rest of the set sees the ball thrown around haphazardly before being put dead to give the Sharks a seven-tackle set. Storm could have won the game right there if Chambers had seen Cronk.

80 min

FULLTIME

The Storm, in the final set of the match, make about six breaks before finally being put down to end the match. SHARKS ARE PREMIERS.

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