Overview

• Reece Walsh claimed the Clive Churchill Medal after a try, three try assists and crucial last-line tackles in a comeback from 22-10 down at halftime.
• Captain Adam Reynolds exited with a calf injury and Ben Hunt was ruled out late for a head knock, prompting reshuffles that included heavy defensive work from forwards such as Xavier Willison.
• Maguire became the sixth coach to win premierships at multiple clubs, a result seen as vindication of his much-scrutinized, high-intensity program.
• Storm coach Craig Bellamy blasted his side’s defence, saying of Walsh, “you could tackle him,” following Melbourne’s squandered halftime lead.
• Walsh is widely expected to be named in Australia’s touring squad to England later today, with his grand final high shot on Xavier Coates noted as being placed on report.