MATCH-UPS: 2016 NRL Grand Final

Rick Edgerton takes a detailed look at the positional match-ups in Sunday's Telstra Premiership NRL Grand Final.

Each of the starting 13 for the Storm and Sharks are pitted against each other, with Rick's verdict on who has the edge.

FULLBACK | BEN BARBA v CAMERON MUNSTER

The return to form at the back of Barba has been one of the major contributors to the Sharks stamping themselves as an attacking force this year. The 2012 Dally M medallist leads his team for try-assists with 21 and his 10 tackle busts across this year's finals has proven he's still a threat when running instead of passing. The sweep-plays he chimes onto have been less effective in recent times, but look for him to be supporting up the middle more to take advantage of an offload from the likes of Fifita & co.  Set to make his second appearance on Grand Final day and will be driven by the pain of being part of the Bulldogs 2012 loss at the hands of Sunday's opponents, Melbourne.

Filling the almighty boots of the injured Billy Slater for the best part of 2 years, Munster has filled in seamlessly and has even added a different dynamic to his team's attack with his strength and natural ability to break a tackle second to none in his position. Has continued his strong running game in the Finals averaging 163 metres and showed his all-round class against the Raiders with a try-assist and 2 line-break assists. With just 4 Finals games behind him, heads into the biggest game of his life in his first Grand Final.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Whether Munster handles the occasion could prove a real key to this Grand Final. His tough running game shouldn't be underestimated, but driven by a shot at Grand Final redemption, look for Barba to be heavily involved and if given half a chance, is the man capable of lighting up this Grand Final.

WINGERS | SOSAIA FEKI v SULIASI VUNIVALU

Manning the Sharks left flank and with 6 Finals appearances behind him, Feki will be stepping up for his first visit to the big dance. With a try, line-break and 9 tackle busts in the Finals, the Sharks wingman has proven a hard man to bring to ground. Does plenty of work coming through the middle against tiring big men and his strength and footwork make him one of the more underrated finishers in the game.

Marking up against him on the Storm's right will be the raw talent of Fijian flyer Vunivalu. His strength, speed, power and aerial ability saw him break Israel Folau's record for most tries in a rookie season with 23 and counting. Has continued his strong form throughout the Finals with 9 tackle busts and an average 127 running metres. About to embark on the biggest day in his sporting life, but nothing has phased him so far.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Feki will be a valuable asset to helping out his forwards, but you can't go past the raw talents of Vunivalu having a big impact at some stage of this contest.

WINGERS | VALENTINE HOLMES v MARIKA KOROIBETE 

In just his second full year of first grade, Holmes will step out for his first Grand Final on Cronulla's right flank. Blessed with speed and evasive skills most can only dream about, Holmes has crossed the stripe more times than any Shark this season with 19 to his name. With his young body starting to mature this year, Holmes has also found the confidence to start running hard into opposition defensive lines, at times looking like he's pushing off the back fence. Has the ability to turn the Grand Final on its head if given room to move.  

Like his countryman on the other flank, Koroibete is blessed with the deadly combination of speed and power when running the football, making him one of the most destructive runners of the steeden in this game. Has ran for an average 158 metres through the Finals and his improved defensive game is also an asset with a couple of scrambling efforts against the Sharks in Round 26 having a major baring on that contest. With just 5 Finals games behind him, makes his first visit to the big dance, but does have the big match experience of a World Cup semi-final at Wembley to draw upon.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both these excitement machines will be tearing into their opposition defensive lines and a footrace between these two if one of them gets into the clear is a mouth-watering prospect. Holmes does have a somewhat hidden talent of being able to land a field-goal in a clutch situation. If it's tight at the death, don't be too surprised if he steps up for a shot with his halves under pressure.

CENTRES | RICKY LEUTELE v WILL CHAMBERS

Another underrated customer in the Sharks outfit, Leutele laces his boots for the first time on Grand Final day with 5 Finals appearances behind him. Lines up at left centre where he will be charged with keeping his more heralded opponent quiet. A solid defender, Leutele has missed half the amount of tackles than his counterpart this year. Like his three-quarter partner Feki, does a really good job of targeting tired defensive outfits through the middle. Watch for some big runs from him as the game wears on.

After a long injury layoff this season, Chambers returned in Round 19 to provide the final cog in Melbourne's well-oiled machine. A proven big match player with a Test Match, 4 Origins and 12 Finals, including Grand Final victories in 2009 and 2012. Can set up his outside man or hit a hole himself making him a danger man on the night. Has been a touch quiet since returning from injury, but don't be surprised for him to rise again on the big occasion.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both are showing similar form coming into this one, but the big match experience of Chambers gives him the edge.

CENTRES | JACK BIRD v CHEYSE BLAIR

After bursting onto the scene last season to claim rookie of the year honours, Bird has continued his development this year earning himself two Origin games in which he showed the confidence of a veteran. Has been strong throughout the Finals with a line-break assist, 5 offloads and 9 tackle busts. A constant threat with the ball in hand who has the ability to create something out of nothing. The Raiders had some success last week targeting Cheyse Blair and Blake Green out wide through their wrecking ball Joey Leilua. If the Sharks can get Bird some quality ball, he could prove a similar threat. The young Shark thrives off the physical contest and looks set to make a big splash in his first Grand Final.

Another great example of a journeyman finding his best form under the tutelage of Craig Bellamy, Blair nailed down his spot late in the season and is proving an attacking threat. Has formed a nice combination with Blake Green out wide running nice outside-in lines to see him hitting gaps. Scored a double against the Sharks in Round 26 and has scored 3 tries in his 4 Finals appearances to date. Lines up against the dangerous Bird and will have to be on his game defensively in his first visit to the big dance.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Whilst Blair will prove dangerous with his hole running in attack, he faces a massive task in keeping Bird quiet in this one. Don't be surprised if some early ball sees Bird crossing the stripe first come Sunday night.

FIVE-EIGHTHS | JAMES MALONEY v BLAKE GREEN

A real testament to the player and character he is, Maloney is set to lace his boots for the 3rd time on Grand Final day - all with different clubs. Following on from a loss in the 2011 decider with the Warriors, he found a premiership ring two years later playing a leading role in the Roosters triumph. Now in his first year in the black, white and blue, Maloney has filled one of the missing links in making the Sharks a premiership threat. Has played with as much control as any half in the league this year and his running game will need to be closely monitored on Sunday night. Coming off a man of the match performance in the Preliminary Final with 2 tries, 2 line-breaks, 5 tackle busts, a line-break assist and try assist, Maloney enters this Grand Final in arguably the best form of the 34 players that will lace their boots.

One sub-plot flying under the radar in the lead-up to this Grand Final is Storm pivot Green who was part of the Sharks Preliminary Final loss to Melbourne in 2008 (talk about going full circle). A couple of years later, Green set off on what proved a successful stint in England in which he played in 3 major deciders, including victories in both the Challenge Cup Final and Super League Grand Final in 2013 with glamour club Wigan. Has proven a vital cog in the Storm machine since returning to the NRL last year, complementing the likes of Smith and Cronk nicely. His combination on the left edge with Blair and Munster is improving all the time and shouldn't be taken lightly on Sunday night. 

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Both players have considerable big match experience heading into this one, but the control and attacking prowess of Maloney will be thriving most come Sunday night.

HALFBACKS | CHAD TOWNSEND v COOPER CRONK

Heading into his first Grand Final with just 3 Finals matches to his name and only a few weeks since being pulled from the field in the closing stages in the opening week of Finals, how Townsend handles the occasion looms as a potentially decisive factor in this Grand Final. The good news for Sharks fans is Townsend bounced back nicely last weekend with a try, line-break assist and try-assist to help steer his team to their Preliminary Final win. Strikes you as the type of player that cares deeply about developing his game in an almost "Cooper Cronk like" kind of way. Shared what looked an inspiring moment with legend of the game Peter Sterling post-match last week that should help serve him with the confidence needed on such a huge moment in his career. 

With 28 Tests, 19 Origins and 5 Grand Finals (including 3 victories) behind him, 2012 Clive Churchill Medallist Cronk enters this match with more big match experience than anyone else barring his club captain. Capped off another stellar season with his second Dally M Medal on Wednesday night and will be one of the key men Cronulla need to keep a lid on come Sunday night. Whilst always a danger with his supreme passing and kicking games, he's proven a real threat running the ball this year equalling his highest tally for tries scored with 12.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Expecting nothing less than a fine all-round performance from Townsend here, but you can't go past Cronk in the form he's in and the big match experience he has. In what looks like a game that could go down to the wire, the ability of Cronk to land a clutch play could prove invaluable.

FRONT ROWERS | ANDREW FIFITA v JESSE BROMWICH

With 10 Finals, 7 Origins and 6 Tests including the 2013 World Cup Final behind him, Sharks enigma Andrew Fifita heads to his first visit to the big dance in fine form. Across this Final series, he's amassed an average 179 running metres, 9 offloads, 9 tackle busts and both a line-break and try assist to remind everyone just how destructive a player he can be. Needs to find a way to clear his head and keep it clear (even when baited) and narrow his focus to nothing but the sole objective of damaging Melbourne's defensive line. Holds the keys to the 2016 Grand Final firmly in his grasp, whether he throws them away is another matter.

Regarded by many as the premier front-rower in the game, Bromwich with 18 Tests and 12 Finals behind him is set for his second taste of Grand Final day after being a key part of the Storm 2012 Premiership. Has again been outstanding through the finals with a try, 169 average running metres, 7 tackle busts and a line-break. Has all the skills most big men could only dream of. His strength, footwork and an ability to ball-play both through and before the line make him the complete package and a vital component of this Melbourne Storm juggernaut.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? In what shapes as the most pivotal match-up in this Grand Final, it's safe to say Bromwich will churn out another almighty performance, but the form of Fifita can't go unnoticed and his ability to turn a game on its head with a damaging run and/or a silky offload could prove the difference.

HOOKER | MICHAEL ENNIS v CAMERON SMITH

Imagine lacing your boots for the final time in your career with the opportunity of winning your first Grand Final…Michael Ennis is the fairy-tale story of this year's decider. Another member of the beaten Bulldogs side who lost to the Storm in the 2012 decider, the crafty hooker also missed the chance to run out in the penultimate games of 2006 (Broncos) and 2014 (Bulldogs) through injury. A leader In the Sharks outfit, Ennis will be a key man to their chances with his attacking prowess close to the line a constant danger. One of many option kickers in his team particularly with his deft grubbers close to the line. Perhaps the biggest question about "Ennis the Menace" this Sunday is does he have one more champion sledge up his sleeve? Something he's been saving till the very end for this very occasion to put one of Melbourne's superstars off their game.

With 44 Tests, 39 Origins and 29 Finals including 4 Grand Finals, Storm Captain Cameron Smith is the big match player of the 2016 Grand Final. Has again been in fine touch throughout the finals averaging 37 tackles and chalking up a try-assist in both of his team's encounters. His kicking game out of dummy half will go down as the best the game has seen. Leads the competition for 40/20's this year and will be looking for another match turning kick at some stage come Sunday evening. Will again be looking to assert his control around the ruck (both with and without the ball) and his ability to read the game 2 and 3 plays before anyone else will always make him a threat.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? There's no doubt Ennis will play the house down in his final game of footy with the motivation of bowing out with a premiership ring, but Smith's ability to control the ruck and see things ahead of others will always give him the edge. A Clive Churchill Medal is the one thing Smith hasn't achieved in his illustrious career and it would be a brave man to bet against him securing one if the Storm prevail on Sunday night.

FRONT ROWERS | MATT PRIOR v JORDAN McLEAN

An underrated performer all year, Prior has had his best season in the NRL to date and has played the key role of leading the Sharks line-speed all year. Shows good footwork before the line which invariably sees him get a quick play the ball. Has risen to another level few knew he possessed this Finals series, particularly in his man of the match performance in week 1 against the Raiders where he ran for a mammoth 223 metres, broke the line for what resulted in the match-turning try before halftime and popped an offload that lead to another try. Was again strong in the Preliminary Final and will lace his boots for the second time on Grand Final day after being a part of the Dragons 2010 Premiership.

With 7 Finals behind him, McLean is set for his first Grand Final and looms as a key member of the Storm outfit. A strong finals series has seen him run for an average 119 running metres, but it's the vigour in which he's been charging into the defensive line that's been eye-catching. Has always had plenty of potential to be a top notch front-rower, but has found the confidence to tear into his opposition at pace and leave a dint in them that's proven an underrated part of Melbourne's success this year.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? This looms as an intriguing contest with a leader of line-speed charged with meeting a barnstorming ball runner at the advantage line. If Prior can get to McLean before he gets a head of steam up it will go a long way to halting Melbourne's go forward in this contest.  

SECOND ROWERS | WADE GRAHAM v KEVIN PROCTOR

With 8 Finals to his name and a long awaited Origin debut this year, Graham is set for his first visit to the big dance. After being knocked out in the opening stages of the Sharks victory over the Raiders in week one of the finals, the skilful back-rower bounced back with a fine performance in the Preliminary Final last week. Running for 136 metres, he also chalked up 4 offloads, 4 tackle busts and a line-break that saw him go within inches of scoring early. His combination with Maloney is really thriving, with his strong hole running one of his many strengths. Also has a nice combination with Barba that often sees him play outside-in and has deft touch with his left foot kicks often resulting in repeat sets. One of his underrated traits is his line-speed in defence and will be the man charged with taking time off Cooper Cronk on Sunday night.

With 12 Tests for New Zealand and 12 Finals including the Storm's 2012 Grand Final triumph, Proctor will be ready to make an impact come Sunday night. A vital cog in Melbourne's attack with his combination on the right edge with Cronk a constant threat. Runs really good lines and if he's not receiving the ball himself it probably means his decoy has created space for the men outside him. Tough and uncompromising, the hard running back-rower will be looking to punch holes in the Sharks defence all night.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? No doubt Proctor will play another tough game here, but the all-round skillset of Graham gives him the edge and if he can shutdown Cronk it will go a long way to a Sharks victory…Looms as a genuine smoky for the Clive Churchill Medal.

SECOND ROWERS | LUKE LEWIS v TOHU HARRIS

With 16 Tests, 17 Origins and 11 Finals including a Premiership victory with the 2003 Panthers early in his career, Lewis will be one of the experienced heads showing his young bulls the way in his second Grand Final. With the smell of opportunity in the air, Lewis has lifted his intensity in the finals. A try, 6 tackle busts, 2 line-breaks and a try assist have made him a constant threat with the ball in hand. His combination with Townsend on the right edge has been a plus for the Sharks all year and his ability to run tough lines against the grain, often changing direction before receiving the ball is a rare talent. With 13 years between Grand Final appearances, Lewis knows more than most how rare these opportunities are and will be looking to make every post a winner at such a late stage in his career.

With 11 Tests and 7 Finals under his belt, Harris will lace his boots for the first time on Grand Final day. Don't expect him to be overwhelmed by the sense of occasion on Sunday night though. Before even playing a first grade game, Harris was intrusted in running out for the Storm in their 2013 World Club Challenge victory over Leeds by Coach Craig Bellamy and didn't let him down. A tireless 80 minute worker, Harris has averaged 115 metres and 39 tackles in the finals this year. His strength and footwork at the line make him a hard man to bring to ground and has the ability to pop an offload which make him an all-round threat.

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Hard to split these two. Harris is a workhorse and seems to have a knack for making things happen around him. The lift in the performances of Lewis in the finals has been evident though and his natural footballing instinct should see him come out on top.

LOCKS | PAUL GALLEN v DALE FINUCANE

With 32 Tests, 24 Origins and 11 Finals to his name, it's fair to say skipper Paul Gallen has been round the Rugby League traps. For all his experience, a whole new set of nerves will be sure to set in come Sunday night. After falling just short of a Grand Final appearance in his first full year of first grade in 2002 with a Preliminary Final loss to the Warriors, Gallen has waited 14 long years for the chance to bring the people of the Sutherland Shire their first title. As mentally tough as they come, expect him to channel these nerves into another barnstorming career highlight. Missed the opening week of finals with injury, but returned in the Preliminary Final with a typically dominant performance running relentlessly for 162 metres. For all the top level football he's played, it feels like this warhorse has been waiting his whole life for this moment.

With 12 Finals including 2 Grand Final losses playing from the Bulldogs bench in their 2012 and 2014 defeats, no one will be more motivated than Finucane to slip on a premiership ring on Sunday night. Set to lace his boots for his third Grand Final, he will do so knowing this time he will be thrust into the opening exchanges. Has been solid as a rock for Coach Bellamy over the past two seasons and his finals series this year has been no different averaging 110 metres and 27 jolting tackles. Runs the ball with purpose on every carry with his footwork and quick play the balls an asset to his team. A great front-on defender, Finucane's ability to bend his back and drive his shoulder underneath the ball makes him a defensive weapon. 

WHO HAS THE EDGE? Finucane will be strong and is every chance of making an impact at some stage, but the mental toughness and fire burning deep within will surely tip Gal over the line… It's a funny game Rugby League… For all the times he's stood in a defeated side and watched opposition Captain Cameron Smith lift the Origin shield over the years, the feeling of lifting the NRL trophy proudly above his head in the Sharks 50th year in the competition would give him the ultimate satisfaction.