2007 NRL grand final
Encyclopedia
The 2007 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive, premiership-deciding match of the 2007 NRL season. Played between the first-placed Melbourne Storm
and second-placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
at Telstra Stadium
on September 30, in front of 81,392 spectators. It was the fourth NRL Grand Final played between the first and second placed teams, and the first in three years. The pre-match entertainment included performances from Hoodoo Gurus
and Shannon Noll
. Player, coach and commentator Frank Hyde
was honoured during the half-time break with a video-tribute as well as a minute's silence prior to the Premier League Grand Final.
The match would also turn out to be the final grand final played at night, with grand finals switching to the 5pm timeslot from season 2008. This match was also the most-watched television program on Australian TV for 2007.
On 22 April 2010, Melbourne were stripped of this premiership due to salary cap breaches
during the 2006-10 seasons.
First half
The Storm crossed early in the first half with a try to winger Anthony Quinn via a slick back-line movement that involved 3 decoy runners to lead 6–0. Another set play midway through the first half saw the Storm extend the scoreline to 10–0 with a barging try to five-eighth Greg Inglis
. Seconds before halftime, Manly centre Steve Matai crossed in the corner to take the deficit back to six points. The half-time score read 10-4 to the Storm, with many surprised at how the scoreline was so close considering Melbourne's dominance.
Second half
The second half started with major controversy after Manly fullback Brett Stewart was knocked unconscious by a massive hit from Storm players Michael Crocker and Billy Slater attempting to catch a bomb. He did not return to the field. Straight after this, the Storm extended their lead to 14–4 with a try to Crocker. Two quick tries soon after by Storm players Matt King and Greg Inglis took the score out to 22–4 and the game looked set for a Storm victory. King barged over with a trademark Storm decoy play, while Inglis scored the try of the match with a vintage long range 60m run and powerful fend to post his second.
Manly soon pegged the score back to 22–8 with a nice try to winger Chris Hicks but it seemed too little too late for the Sea-Eagles. Melbourne then scored two late tries to second-rower Clint Newton and another for Anthony Quinn to finally take the scoreline to 34–8. Storm captain Cameron Smith had a horror night with the boot, kicking 3 from 8 (including a missed penalty goal), but this had no bearing on the final outcome.
Inglis was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal
for best on field. It was the second ever premiership for the Storm and erased the heartache of losing the 2006 NRL Grand Final to the Brisbane Broncos
. It was coach Craig Bellamy's first premiership title, and capped a remarkable season for the Storm, who lost only 3 matches and achieved their most successful season since their foundation. The 34–8 Grand Final score was the second highest grand final margin in Australian rugby league history.
Half time: Storm 8 – 0
Clive Churchill Medal
list: Greg Inglis
Referee: Tony Archer
Venue: Telstra Stadium
, Sydney
Attendance: 81,392
Melbourne Storm
The Melbourne Storm are an Australian professional rugby league club based in the city of Melbourne. They are the first fully professional rugby league team based in the Australian rules football-dominated state of Victoria....
and second-placed Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
The Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles are an Australian professional rugby league club based on the Northern Beaches of Sydney. They compete in the National Rugby League's Telstra Premiership, the premier rugby league competition of Australasia...
at Telstra Stadium
Telstra Stadium
Stadium Australia, currently also known as ANZ Stadium due to naming rights, formerly known as Telstra Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct of Homebush Bay...
on September 30, in front of 81,392 spectators. It was the fourth NRL Grand Final played between the first and second placed teams, and the first in three years. The pre-match entertainment included performances from Hoodoo Gurus
Hoodoo Gurus
Hoodoo Gurus are an Australian rock band, formed in Sydney in 1981, by the mainstay Dave Faulkner and later joined by Richard Grossman , Mark Kingsmill , and Brad Shepherd...
and Shannon Noll
Shannon Noll
Shannon Noll first came to prominence as runner-up of the first series of Australian Idol which led to him being signed to Sony BMG. Since then he has released five Top 10 albums and ten Top 10 singles. His first two albums That's What I'm Talking About in 2004 and Lift in 2005 debuted at No...
. Player, coach and commentator Frank Hyde
Frank Hyde
Frank Hyde, MBE, OAM, was an Australian rugby league footballer, coach and radio caller. A New South Wales representative three-quarter, Hyde played his club football in Sydney for NSWRFL Premiership clubs Newtown, Balmain and North Sydney...
was honoured during the half-time break with a video-tribute as well as a minute's silence prior to the Premier League Grand Final.
The match would also turn out to be the final grand final played at night, with grand finals switching to the 5pm timeslot from season 2008. This match was also the most-watched television program on Australian TV for 2007.
On 22 April 2010, Melbourne were stripped of this premiership due to salary cap breaches
Melbourne Storm salary cap breach
The Melbourne Storm salary cap breach was a major breach of the National Rugby League's strictly enforced salary cap by the Melbourne Storm club over a period of five years...
during the 2006-10 seasons.
| Storm | Position | Sea Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Billy Slater Billy Slater Billy Slater is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League . An Australian international and Queensland State of Origin representative fullback, he has played his whole NRL career to date at Melbourne... |
FB | Brett Stewart Brett Stewart Brett Stewart is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League. He is an Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative fullback known for pace and his prolific try-scoring... |
| Steve Turner Steve Turner (rugby league footballer) Steve Turner, is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs in the National Rugby League competition. A New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he previously played for the Penrith Panthers before joining the Storm. With the Storm he... |
WG | Michael Robertson Michael Robertson (rugby league) Michael Robertson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for London Broncos of Super League... |
| Matt King | CE | Steve Bell Steven Bell Steven "Steve" Bell is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Catalans Dragons of Super League... |
| Israel Folau Israel Folau Israel Folau is a professional Australian rules footballer currently listed with the Greater Western Sydney Football Club in the Australian Football League . He previously played Rugby league for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League from 2007 to 2008 where he broke the record for most... |
CE | Steve Matai Steve Matai Stephen "Steve" Matai is a professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League. He plays as a centre. He is a New Zealand international of Samoan Heritage... |
| Anthony Quinn Anthony Quinn (rugby league) Anthony Quinn is an Australian professional rugby league player for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition. After playing for the Newcastle Knights' feeder club Valentine-Eleebana, Quinn was called up to the NRL in 2002... |
WG | Chris Hicks |
| Greg Inglis Greg Inglis Greg Inglis is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, Inglis joined the Rabbitohs in 2011 after much controversy.Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several... |
FE | Jamie Lyon Jamie Lyon Jamie Lyon is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League... |
| Cooper Cronk Cooper Cronk Cooper Patrick Cronk is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing for the Melbourne Storm of the NRL... |
HB | Matt Orford Matt Orford Matthew Orford is an Australian professional rugby league player, last playing for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League competition... (c) |
| Ben Cross Ben Cross (rugby league footballer) Ben Cross is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Wigan Warriors of the Super League... |
PR | Jason King |
| Cameron Smith Cameron Smith Cameron Smith is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League... (c) |
HK | Michael Monaghan Michael Monaghan Michael Monaghan is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who plays for the Warrington Wolves in the European Super League.He played with the Canberra Raiders from 2001 to 2003.... |
| Brett White Brett White Brett White is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Canberra Raiders, and formally of the Melbourne Storm of the NRL... |
PR | Brent Kite Brent Kite Brent Kite is an Australian professional rugby league footballer currently playing in the NRL with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. A Tonga and Australia international, and New South Wales State of Origin representative front-row forward, he has played club football for the St. George Illawarra... |
| Clint Newton Clint Newton Clint Newton is an American born professional rugby league footballer who plays for Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League. He previously played for Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition... |
SR | Anthony Watmough Anthony Watmough Anthony Watmough is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles club of the National Rugby League... |
| Ryan Hoffman Ryan Hoffman Ryan Hoffman is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Wigan Warriors of the Super League... |
SR | Glenn Stewart Glenn Stewart Glenn Stewart is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League . An Australian international and New South Wales State of Origin representative second-row forward, Stewart has played all of his club football to date with Manly,... |
| Dallas Johnson Dallas Johnson Dallas Johnson is an Australian professional rugby league footballer for the North Queensland Cowboys in the National Rugby League and formerly the Melbourne Storm and Catalans Dragons. He plays primarily as a lock forward.Between 2007 and 2009, Johnson played in four consecutive NRL grand finals... |
LK | Luke Williamson Luke Williamson Luke Williamson is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for the Harlequins RL in the European Super League competition. He has previously played for the Adelaide Rams, Canberra Raiders, Northern Eagles and Manly Sea Eagles... |
| Matt Geyer Matt Geyer Matt Geyer is an Australian rugby league footballer for the Norths Devils in the Queensland Cup. A New South Wales State of Origin representative winger, he played his club football primarily with the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League competition, winning premierships with them in 1999... |
Bench | Steve Menzies |
| Jeremy Smith Jeremy Smith (rugby league 2) Jeremy Jon Oscar Smith is a professional rugby league footballer who currently plays for the Cronulla Sutherland Sharks of the National Rugby League... |
Bench | Mark Bryant Mark Bryant (rugby league) Mark Bryant is a professional rugby league player who currently plays for Harlequins RL in the European Super League. He has previously played for Crusaders RL and Manly Sea Eagles in the National Rugby League.His preferred position is prop.... |
| Michael Crocker Michael Crocker Michael Crocker is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the NRL... |
Bench | Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson Adam Cuthbertson, born 24 February 1985 is an Australian rugby league player, currently playing for the Newcastle Knights in the National Rugby League. His position is usually in the forwards, able to play in both the front-row and second-row, he can also play lock-forward.-Playing... |
| Jeff Lima Jeff Lima Jeff Lima is a professional rugby league footballer for the Wigan Warriors of Europe's Super League... |
Bench | Jack Afamasaga Jack Afamasaga Jack Taualii Afamasaga is a New Zealand professional rugby league player of Samoan heritage, currently playing for the Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition. He also spent time playing with the Parramatta Eels, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles and Cronulla Sharks, with stints in the... |
| Craig Bellamy | Coach | Des Hasler Des Hasler Des Hasler is an Australian former professional rugby league player and current head coach of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. He played in 309 matches in a first-grade career spanning 16 seasons. Most of his career was spent with the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, with whom he won two premierships... |
First half
The Storm crossed early in the first half with a try to winger Anthony Quinn via a slick back-line movement that involved 3 decoy runners to lead 6–0. Another set play midway through the first half saw the Storm extend the scoreline to 10–0 with a barging try to five-eighth Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, Inglis joined the Rabbitohs in 2011 after much controversy.Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several...
. Seconds before halftime, Manly centre Steve Matai crossed in the corner to take the deficit back to six points. The half-time score read 10-4 to the Storm, with many surprised at how the scoreline was so close considering Melbourne's dominance.
Second half
The second half started with major controversy after Manly fullback Brett Stewart was knocked unconscious by a massive hit from Storm players Michael Crocker and Billy Slater attempting to catch a bomb. He did not return to the field. Straight after this, the Storm extended their lead to 14–4 with a try to Crocker. Two quick tries soon after by Storm players Matt King and Greg Inglis took the score out to 22–4 and the game looked set for a Storm victory. King barged over with a trademark Storm decoy play, while Inglis scored the try of the match with a vintage long range 60m run and powerful fend to post his second.
Manly soon pegged the score back to 22–8 with a nice try to winger Chris Hicks but it seemed too little too late for the Sea-Eagles. Melbourne then scored two late tries to second-rower Clint Newton and another for Anthony Quinn to finally take the scoreline to 34–8. Storm captain Cameron Smith had a horror night with the boot, kicking 3 from 8 (including a missed penalty goal), but this had no bearing on the final outcome.
Inglis was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal
Clive Churchill Medal
The Clive Churchill Medal has been presented to the man-of-the-match of the National Rugby League's annual Grand Final match ever since the 1986 season. The award was created to honour Clive Churchill, one of the greatest rugby league players in Australian history, following his death in 1985...
for best on field. It was the second ever premiership for the Storm and erased the heartache of losing the 2006 NRL Grand Final to the Brisbane Broncos
Brisbane Broncos
The Brisbane Broncos are an Australian professional rugby league football club based in the city of Brisbane, the capital of the state of Queensland. Founded in 1988, the Broncos play in Australasia's elite competition, the National Rugby League premiership. They have won six premierships and two...
. It was coach Craig Bellamy's first premiership title, and capped a remarkable season for the Storm, who lost only 3 matches and achieved their most successful season since their foundation. The 34–8 Grand Final score was the second highest grand final margin in Australian rugby league history.
34 |
Melbourne Storm |
|---|---|
| Tries | 2 Quinn Anthony Quinn Antonio Rodolfo Quinn-Oaxaca , more commonly known as Anthony Quinn, was a Mexican American actor, as well as a painter and writer... 2 Inglis Greg Inglis Greg Inglis is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, Inglis joined the Rabbitohs in 2011 after much controversy.Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several... 1 Crocker Michael Crocker Michael Crocker is an Australian professional rugby league footballer with the South Sydney Rabbitohs of the NRL... 1 King 1 Newton Clint Newton Clint Newton is an American born professional rugby league footballer who plays for Hull Kingston Rovers in Super League. He previously played for Newcastle Knights and Melbourne Storm in the National Rugby League competition... |
| Goals | 3/8 Smith Cameron Smith Cameron Smith is an Australian professional rugby league footballer who currently captains the Melbourne Storm of the National Rugby League... |
8 |
|
| Tries | 1 Matai Steve Matai Stephen "Steve" Matai is a professional rugby league footballer for the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles of the National Rugby League. He plays as a centre. He is a New Zealand international of Samoan Heritage... 1 Hicks |
| Goals | 0/2 Orford Matt Orford Matthew Orford is an Australian professional rugby league player, last playing for the Canberra Raiders in the National Rugby League competition... |
Half time: Storm 8 – 0
Clive Churchill Medal
Clive Churchill Medal
The Clive Churchill Medal has been presented to the man-of-the-match of the National Rugby League's annual Grand Final match ever since the 1986 season. The award was created to honour Clive Churchill, one of the greatest rugby league players in Australian history, following his death in 1985...
list: Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis
Greg Inglis is an Australian professional rugby league player for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A Queensland State of Origin and Australian international representative outside back, Inglis joined the Rabbitohs in 2011 after much controversy.Inglis is a versatile back, having played in several...
Referee: Tony Archer
Venue: Telstra Stadium
Telstra Stadium
Stadium Australia, currently also known as ANZ Stadium due to naming rights, formerly known as Telstra Stadium, is a multi-purpose stadium located in the Sydney Olympic Park precinct of Homebush Bay...
, Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
Attendance: 81,392