My favourite team, the Melbourne Storm, may have lost the 2024 NRL Grand Final but I still enjoyed my first experience attending one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
Queensland State of Origin winger Xavier Coates limped off AAMI Park with a hamstring injury but his Melbourne team were able to hold out Canberra 16-6.
Fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and captain Harry Grant are unlikely to face Canberra in Melbourne on Saturday night after both skipped the Storm's training run.
Canberra will get "eaten alive" in their biggest clash of the NRL season so far if they don't tidy up completion-rate woes that have plagued them in recent weeks.
Coach Ricky Stuart says...
Canberra star Joe Tapine says recognition his blockbusting performances are earning is even sweeter because he's not eligible for the Origin spotlight.
Many expect Melbourne to roll through Canberra in Saturday's NRL elimination final, but Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says his side is ready for the challenge.
While Melbourne playmaker Cameron Munster has emerged from COVID-19 isolation ready to take on Canberra on Sunday, hooker Harry Grant is no certainty to start.
