Overview

• The premiership decider is Sunday night in Sydney, pitting Melbourne’s season-long contenders against a surging Brisbane.
• Many tip the Storm for their elite defence, balanced spine and dominant head-to-head record, while others back the Broncos on a six-game streak capped by a Round 27 win and comeback finals.
• Referee Grant Atkins will control the match with Ashley Klein in the bunker, and how the 10 metres and ruck speed are enforced is widely viewed as pivotal.
• Reece Walsh is flagged as the most dangerous player, with Adam Reynolds and Ben Hunt bringing poise for Brisbane and Jahrome Hughes’ fitness shaping Melbourne’s attack.
• Payne Haas’ ability to roll the Broncos through the middle, potentially aided by Pat Carrigan’s return, faces a Storm pack led by Stefano Utoikamanu and Josh King intent on containment.