Mal Meninga’s big five for Friday ahead of the NRL grand final

GRAND finals, like all big games, are won on defence. That’s why I am leaning towards the Storm over Cronulla on Sunday. Here’s big Mal’s big five for Friday.

Andrew Fifita is swarmed by Storm defenders.

GRAND finals, like all big games, are won on defence. That’s why I am leaning towards the Storm over Cronulla on Sunday.

There is no doubt Cronulla have the game to take down the best defensive structures. We saw that last week against the Cowboys.

But I think Melbourne are so methodical and disciplined in the way they keep their line intact, they can suffocate Cronulla out of the game.

RAIDERS SHOWED HOW

THE Sharks would have paid close attention to what Canberra did last week at AAMI Park to get within two points of the Storm.

In the end, a couple of missed chances cost Canberra any chance of victory.

The Sharks bring their fair share of big-game experience to the mix, so they won’t be overawed by the situation.

MASTER: 47 reasons why Bellamy is the best

HINDS: Bad guy Smith laughs off the hate

Andrew Fifita is swarmed by Storm defenders.

But Melbourne have guys like Cameron Smith or Cooper Cronk who are able to produce those little plays that make a difference, like a 40-20 kick out of dummy-half, or the patience to aim for repeat sets and wait for an opportunity.

SELECTION EYES ARE ON

I WILL be watching the grand final closely in my role as Kangaroos coach to cast an eye over the contenders for the Test again New Zealand in Perth on October 15.

There are obviously a number of players that have played for Australia or their state before that are well in the mix, including Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Will Chambers from Melbourne, and Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Wade Graham, Jack Bird and James Maloney from the Sharks.

Am I expecting to be selecting a player from outside that group who plays one out of the box in the grand final? Unlikely.

I am still a big believer in paying your dues by playing for your state before you get the honour of playing for your country.

It is not impossible but I think you need to build up a few more credit points to earn an Australian jersey than just one good game in a grand final.

Will James Maloney earn a call-up to the Kangaroos? Picture: Gregg Porteous

ROOS NOT EASY TO PICK

THERE is no doubt the Australian selectors and I face a tough time picking a squad for this year’s Four Nations tournament.

On the one hand, I am a firm believer in picking the right team for right now, rewarding the best players for their form and their service to the game.

On the other side of the coin is the fact the World Cup is next year.

A month-long tour to the UK playing against the Kiwis, England and Scotland this year would be the perfect situation to introduce new players and lay the foundations for the Kangaroos team for the next few years.

Getting that balance between experience and longevity, loyalty and the future will make choosing this team one of the hardest decisions I have faced as a coach.

TEAMWORK SO STORMY

Cooper Cronk shared the Dally M Medal with Jason Taumalolo. Picture: Gregg Porteous

COOPER Cronk said after his Dally M Medal win on Wednesday night that his success was all down to the Melbourne Storm.

Without denigrating Cooper or his ability in any way, he is exactly right.

The terrific culture the Storm enjoy under Craig Bellamy is the reason Cooper and every other Melbourne player is able to play to the best of their ability, maybe even beyond the level they thought they could reach.

Cooper has had to work hard, no question, and deserves every bit of success he achieves, but being at the Storm has allowed him to thrive into one of the greatest halfbacks of all time.

Originally published as Mal Meninga’s big five for Friday ahead of the NRL grand final