Melbourne Storm defeat Cronulla Sharks to book Craig Bellamy’s 11th grand final appearance in 23 seasons
Melbourne are the first team through to the 2025 NRL grand final after knocking off the Cronulla Sharks in front of their home fans - and the victory highlighted an incredible Craig Bellamy statistic.
As Sydney sweltered through an unseasonably warm spring day, Melbourne played like a team hellbent on proving the old adage that revenge is a dish best served cold.
Craig Bellamy’s side has been stewing for the past 12 months after they had their hearts broken by the Penrith machine on grand final night, but the Storm have the chance to right some wrongs after they booked their ticket to the decider.
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The 22-14 win at AAMI Park featured 18 penalties but it also saw the return of three key Storm men who will likely make them favourites regardless of who they face next week.
Reigning Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes is a medical marvel after returning just 22 days after he fractured his forearm, Ryan Papenhuyzen returned from concussion protocols and Shawn Blore was back on deck after he fractured his larynx.
They are all key weapons but Hughes holds the key to the Storm’s fortunes and showed his value with a slashing solo try that featured a couple of strong fends with his dodgy arm.
That try came off a Stefano Utoikamanu offload, with the representative prop potentially the missing piece of the puzzle that they need to go all the way after he made the move down south from Sydney.
Hughes wasn’t alone with halves partner Cameron Munster running for more metres than anyone else on Friday night, while it was his crafty chip kick that set up Papenhuyzen for a crucial try just before halftime.
Melbourne’s six and seven had the Sharks defence in sixes and sevens, with the visitors scrambling more than a chef at a trendy Sydney cafe who has been slammed with Saturday egg orders.
And while Cronulla’s defence bent, it never broke as they showed the grit that helped them win nine of their past 10 matches, including a shock upset of the minor premiers last week.
But they just couldn’t muster the attack to trouble the Storm who found another gear to seal the win when skipper Harry Grant darted out of dummy-half near halfway before Jack Howarth set up Xavier Coates to score in the corner.
They now have nine days to rest up before they head to Accor Stadium to face either the Broncos or Panthers, with Melbourne looking to do what they so often do by avenging a grand final loss the following year.
They did it in 2007, 2009 and 2017, with a potential trilogy decider looming against a Penrith side that choked them into submission 12 months ago.
It will be Craig Bellamy’s 11th grand final as Storm coach, with the Melbourne mentor eyeing another title before he eventually calls time on an incredible career – whenever that may be.
It would be fitting if they played the Panthers next week, with the 2020 Grand Final the catalyst for Penrith’s remarkable premiership run.
Both sides have enjoyed grand final success over the other team over the past five years, with the Storm’s legacy to go through the roof if they can be the team to end the streak on the biggest stage.
It’s been a wet year in Sydney, and the forecast is for more purple rain if the Storm’s stars can replicate what they did on Friday.
After all, streaks have to end eventually.
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Originally published as Melbourne Storm defeat Cronulla Sharks to book Craig Bellamy’s 11th grand final appearance in 23 seasons
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