Despite the Nelson Asofa-Solomona suspension, Melbourne look primed to end Penrith’s remarkable run.
It’s not often we see the NRL’s two best halfbacks square off in a grand final, but that’s precisely what we’ve got in what promises to be a decider for the ages.Let’s start with Cleary, who at this stage of his career is right up there with great halfbacks and five-eighths in the game’s history. You can only properly judge him at the end of his playing days, but if he keeps on this trajectory, there is no accolade or accomplishment he won’t have.
That’s changed in the past few years. Now, he’s not only creating for himself, but players around him. His running game is top shelf and when he’s kicking the ball into corners and pegging an opposition back, he doesn’t get bored with it.He has total control of his game, total control of the game plan and, more importantly, total control of his emotions.
But he’s not just a threat on the right. When he loops around the back of the ruck to combine with Cameron Munster on the left, it usually means he’s going to lean into his passing game to create space for his five-eighth and outside men. The Storm won well last week and Penrith were good, without being great, in trying conditions at Accor Stadium. I can’t help but think the wet weather affected their performance. But hopefully with a forecast for fine weather and a dry track, we get a grand final to remember.If I was in Craig Bellamy’s shoes, I would be putting so much focus into stopping the Panthers’ back three of Dylan Edwards, Brian To’o and Sunia Turuva. If they stop those three, they stop Penrith’s go forward.
When they have the ball, Melbourne will have pockets of attack all over the field. Their spine is the best in the competition. All of their big plays are designed to put pressure on the gap between the back-rower and half, and in this game, I reckon they will be targeting Luai and Luke Garner. Just have a look at how methodically they picked apart representative players Luke Keary and Angus Crichton last week.
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