PREVIEW: 2016 NRL Grand Final - Storm v Sharks

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History beckons in 2016 premiership decider!

Returning to the big stage for the first time since 2012, the Melbourne Storm will be out to triumph in their sixth premiership decider under the reign of Craig Bellamy. Having started the season with little fanfare surrounding their chances of claiming the title, the Storm have proven themselves to be just as dangerous as the illegitimate sides of the late 2000s, a feat made all the more impressive considering the long-term injury to superstar fullback Billy Slater. Boasting six players with grand final experience in the NRL, as well as departing playmaker Blake Green's success with Wigan in England, the Storm will be confident in their ability to topple the Sharks fairytale run, just as they did to Parramatta and Canterbury in the past. Retaining the same 17-man side that outlasted the Raiders 14-12 last Saturday, a further five players Young Tounamaipea, Slade Griffin, Matthew White, Felise Kaufusi and Ryan Morgan have been included in the squad as recognition for their contributions throughout the season. Despite failing to take the field in the preliminary final, utility Ben Hampton is set to play in what will be his final appearance before joining North Queensland next season. Sunday's clash also marks a special occasion for Blake Green and Dale Finucane, as they play their 50th game for the club after heading to Victoria at the start of last season.

After finishing with the wooden spoon two years ago, the Cronulla Sharks have completed a phenomenal resurgence following the return of Shane Flanagan to sit 80 minutes away from a historic premiership. Having exited the finals in acrimonious circumstances last year, the Sharks have proven to be the success story of 2016, winning 15 straight matches mid-season before disposing of top four rivals Canberra and North Queensland in the finals to reach their first decider since Super League in 1997. While no Cronulla team has claimed the premiership before, six players from the current squad have featured in grand final wins, while retiring hooker Michael Ennis will be hoping to make up for the disappointment of missing the Bulldogs 2014 decider through injury. In the only change from the side that accounted for the Cowboys 32-20 last Friday, prop Sam Tagaetese has been named to make his return from a shoulder injury that has seen him miss the past seven weeks. Should the Samoan representative fail to recover in time, expect impressive rookie Kurt Capewell to retain his place on the bench, while utility forward Joseph Paulo may also come into calculations for the final bench positions. Utility back Gerard Beale will have extra cause for celebration should the Sharks prevail on Sunday, as the New Zealand representative plays his 50th game after previous stints with the Broncos and Dragons.

2016 meetings: Round 26 2016 - Storm 26 Sharks 6 at AAMI Park; Round 4 2016 - Sharks 14 Storm 6 at Southern Cross Group Stadium

Last finals meeting: Preliminary Final 2008 - Storm 28 Sharks 0

Who to watch: Having suffered the heartbreak of losing two deciders with the Bulldogs in 2012 and 2014, Melbourne lock Dale Finucane will be hoping for a change of fortune in his third grand final. Playing his 50th game for the Storm on Sunday, the 25-year-old has proven himself to be the defensive workhorse relied upon by Craig Bellamy over the past decade that has been just as vital to Melbourne's success as the attacking brilliance of the likes of Cronk and Smith. Averaging in excess of 30 tackles per game, expect Finucane to lead from the front for the Storm, as they fight to prove critics wrong and cement their status as one of the greatest sides in premiership history.

Thirteen years after claiming his first premiership with Penrith, second-rower Luke Lewis will be looking to make his presence felt on Sunday night as the Sharks look to claim their maiden title. Having transitioned from a winger to the forwards, with a stint in the halves for good measure, the 33-year-old representative has been an integral part of Cronulla's resurgence over the past two seasons and looms as a key attacking threat for Melbourne to contend with. As one of the most experienced players from either side, Lewis will be hoping to call upon his big match form to give the Sharks an advantage in a game likely to be dominated by defence.

Key stats: With goal kicking likely to play a decisive factor in the end result, the form of the respective kickers sees a clear distinction. In his four previous deciders, Melbourne captain Cameron Smith holds an uncharacteristically poor 39% success rate with the boot, managing a mere 7/18 conversion, only once kicking above 50%. In contrast, Cronulla playmaker James Maloney holds a 75% success rate from his two previous appearances with the Warriors and Roosters, nailing a cumulative 6/8 conversions.

Grand Final stats since 2006

• Over the past decade the average winning margin in grand finals has been 16.1 points; 25.5 points for the winner, 9.4 points for the loser.
• The "home" side (higher qualified) has triumphed seven times at ANZ Stadium.
• Only two sides have come from behind at halftime to run out winners.
• Field goals have been kicked three times, all of which by Queenslanders.
• Wingers have crossed for the first try on five occasions; in the past three deciders the left-side #2 has been the recipient.
• In their five previous grand finals under Craig Bellamy, the Storm have scored the first try on four occasion, while their overall success was dictated by their standing at halftime.
• Cooper Cronk will level the record for most NRL grand final appearances alongside Anthony Minichiello, in what will be his sixth decider. In the Storm's 2012 win against Canterbury, the halfback claimed the Clive Churchill Medal.

The favourite: With experience and bragging rights from their last clash on their side, the Storm are expected to lift the Provan-Summons trophy at the end of 80 minutes.

My tip: At the start of the season few would have though Melbourne were capable of challenging for a title. Losing Billy Slater after just one game looked to validate those claims, but in spite of adversity the Storm have proven themselves to be the best side this season and should prove too good for the Sharks.

Storm by 8
Cameron Smith - Clive Churchill Medalist
Will Chambers - First Try Scorer

1. Cameron Munster 2. Suliasi Vunivalu 3. Will Chambers 4. Cheyse Blair 5. Marika Koroibete 6. Blake Green 7. Cooper Cronk 8. Jesse Bromwich 9. Cameron Smith 10. Jordan McLean 11. Kevin Proctor 12. Tohu Harris 13. Dale Finucane
Interchange: 14. Kenneath Bromwich 15. Tim Glasby 16. Christian Welch 17. Ben Hampton 18. Young Tonumaipea 19. Slade Griffin 20. Matt White 21. Felise Kaufusi

1. Ben Barba 2. Sosaia Feki 3. Jack Bird 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Valentine Holmes 6. James Maloney 7. Chad Townsend 8. Andrew Fifita 9. Michael Ennis 10. Matt Prior 11. Luke Lewis 12. Wade Graham 13. Paul Gallen
Interchange: 14. Gerard Beale 15. Chris Heighington 16. Sam Tagataese 17. Jayson Bukuya 18. Kurt Capewell 21. Joseph Paulo

Referees: Matt Cecchin, Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Jeff Younis; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton, Luke Patten, Ashley Klein