Storm go home, Broncos stay in town

Melbourne has gone to extraordinary lengths to maintain its winning routine, flying back home to ahead of Sunday's Grand Final at Telstra Stadium.

The Storm has flown home just 18 hours after arriving for the traditional Grand Final breakfast in Sydney, keen to avoid the media spotlight and preserve its usual pre-match rituals.

The Victorian club has firmed in premiership betting and is a clear favourite ahead of Sunday's NRL grand final against Brisbane at Telstra Stadium.

Betting agency Centrebet is paying $1.66 for Melbourne compared to $2.25 for the Brisbane, while TAB Sportsbet has the Storm at $1.70 and Brisbane at $2.10.

Brisbane, meanwhile, have decided to remain in Sydney until kick-off to keep travel disruptions to a minimum and escape the hysteria in Queensland surrounding retiring prop Shane Webcke's final game.

Broncos coach Wayne Bennett says a return trip to Brisbane would be too disruptive for his team's preparations.