The 2018 NRL Grand Final marked a clash of the league's most dominant clubs
In short: When the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm met on September 30, 2018, it was the first time these two powerhouses had faced off for the premiership. In front of 82,688 fans at ANZ Stadium, the Roosters secured their 14th title, ending a five-year wait since their last championship victory.
The 2018 season was defined by the dominance of the Roosters and the Storm, who had collectively occupied the top spot on the ladder every year since 2013. The Roosters claimed the minor premiership in 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018, while the Storm secured the top position in 2016 and 2017. Their path to the grand final was equally impressive, as both teams finished the regular season tied on 34 points with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks.
The match carried significant historical weight for several players. It served as the final career appearance for Melbourne's Billy Slater, who retired after 319 first-grade games. Meanwhile, Roosters halfback Cooper Cronk achieved a rare milestone by winning consecutive premierships with different clubs, a feat not seen since Johnny Mayes in 1973 and 1974. For the coaches, Trent Robinson guided the Roosters to their second grand final in six years, while Craig Bellamy matched Wayne Bennett’s record of eight grand final appearances as a first-grade coach.
The buildup was not without controversy. Billy Slater faced intense scrutiny following a shoulder charge incident in the preliminary final against Cronulla. Despite the outcry, the judiciary cleared him to play. Once on the field, the Roosters proved superior, winning 21-6. Luke Keary earned the Clive Churchill Medal for his performance, cementing the Roosters' status as the premier team of the era and earning them a spot in the 2019 World Club Challenge.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2018 NRL Grand Final
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