2007 NRL Grand Final

The 2007 NRL Grand Final served as the championship-deciding contest for the 2007 NRL season, featuring the top-ranked Melbourne Storm against the second-placed Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. The event took place at Telstra Stadium on 30 September, drawing a crowd of 81,392 attendees. This encounter marked the fourth occasion when the two highest-ranked teams faced off in a Grand Final and was the final night match until the 2013 final, after which kickoff times were moved to 5:00pm AEST. Additionally, it stood as the most-viewed television broadcast in Australia throughout 2007.

On 22 April 2010, Melbourne was stripped of this premiership along with other accolades due to salary cap violations spanning the 2006–10 seasons.

Background

The 2007 NRL season commemorated one hundred years of professional rugby league in Australia and represented the tenth season under the National Rugby League. A total of sixteen teams competed in the Telstra Premiership, highlighted by the introduction of the Gold Coast Titans, making it the largest competition since 1999.

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles

In their 58th year of competition, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles were led by coach Des Hasler and captain Matt Orford. They concluded the regular season ranked second among sixteen teams.

Melbourne Storm

The Melbourne Storm entered their tenth season in 2007. Guided by coach Craig Bellamy and captain Cameron Smith, they secured first place in the regular season to claim the minor premiership, advancing to their third Grand Final appearance and second in succession.

Teams

Matt Geyer was the only player remaining from Melbourne's squad that won the 1999 NRL grand final.

Match details

Pre-game entertainment included performances by Hoodoo Gurus and Shannon Noll. During halftime, player, coach, and commentator Frank Hyde received recognition through a video tribute and a moment of silence preceding the Premier League Grand Final.

First half

Melbourne initiated scoring early with a try by winger Anthony Quinn following a backline maneuver involving three decoy runners, establishing a 6–0 lead. Subsequently, a set play allowed five-eighth Greg Inglis to score, extending Melbourne’s advantage to 10–0. Just before halftime, Manly’s centre Steve Matai crossed for a try in the corner, reducing the deficit to 10–4. Although Melbourne controlled much of play, the halftime score remained relatively close.

Second half

The second half commenced with controversy when Manly fullback Brett Stewart was rendered unconscious due to contact from Melbourne’s Michael Crocker and Billy Slater, forcing his exit from the match. Melbourne immediately took advantage as Crocker scored, pushing their lead to 14–4. Rapid tries from Matt King and Greg Inglis increased Melbourne’s tally to 22–4, signaling a likely victory. King’s try resulted from an effective decoy move, while Inglis demonstrated his prowess with a 60-meter run and fend for his second try.

Manly countered with a try from winger Chris Hicks, narrowing it to 22–8; however, Melbourne sealed their dominance with late tries by second-rower Clint Newton and Anthony Quinn, concluding the game at 34–8. Captain Cameron Smith converted three out of eight goal attempts and missed a penalty kick.

Greg Inglis was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player on the field. The final margin of 26 points ranked as the third-largest victory in Australian rugby league Grand Final history.

Match summary

World Club Challenge

By securing victory in the NRL grand final, Melbourne qualified to participate in the subsequent February's World Club Challenge, facing off against the champions of the 2007 Super League Grand Final, Leeds Rhinos.

References