Andrew Johns has expressed significant concerns for the Brisbane Broncos as they prepare to face the Melbourne Storm in this weekend’s highly anticipated NRL Grand Final. The rugby league legend believes the Storm will edge out a victory in what he predicts will be a closely contested match.
Both teams have navigated a similar path through the finals series, each securing a vital week off following victories in their respective qualifying finals. However, Johns notes a stark contrast in their performances, with the Storm demonstrating clinical precision, while the Broncos have had to battle back from considerable deficits.
Broncos’ Defensive Vulnerabilities
Johns highlighted the Broncos’ tendency to concede early leads as a critical concern. “Broncos have been giving away leads – 16 points to Canberra and then 14 against Penrith,” he remarked on Wide World of Sports’ Freddy and the Eighth’s Tips. “If Melbourne get a lead in this big game, they won’t let them back in.”
Despite acknowledging that Brisbane has “a lot of improvement in them” following their recent wins over the Raiders and Panthers, Johns fears this weakness could prove costly in the grand final. His prediction for the match is a narrow victory for Melbourne, with a two-point margin.
Storm’s Key Player: Harry Grant
Johns also pointed out the significance of Harry Grant’s role in the upcoming match. “I can’t believe this, Harry Grant has never won a grand final,” he said, naming Grant as his pick for the Clive Churchill Medal, awarded to the best player on the field in the grand final.
Andrew Johns: “I’m gonna go Melbourne by two. Harry Grant is my Clive Churchill [winner].”
Expert Opinions Divided
While Johns leans towards a Storm victory, fellow expert Brad Fittler is backing the Broncos to clinch a win by a similar margin. “I’m gonna go Brisbane by two, I think they’ll just win,” Fittler commented, predicting Payne Haas as the standout player of the match.
Fittler’s confidence in Haas is shared by several other experts, with only one of Nine’s team selecting a different player for the Clive Churchill Medal. The predictions reflect a split opinion among rugby league analysts, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the two teams.
Expert Predictions
- Andrew Johns: Storm/Harry Grant
- Brad Fittler: Broncos/Payne Haas
- Billy Slater: Storm/Harry Grant
- Paul Gallen: Broncos/Payne Haas
- Darren Lockyer: Broncos/Kotoni Staggs
- Mat Thompson: Broncos/Reece Walsh
- The Mole: Storm/Harry Grant
- Peter Psaltis: Broncos/Payne Haas
- David Middleton: Storm/Harry Grant
Historical Context and Future Implications
The anticipation surrounding this grand final is heightened by the historical rivalry between the Broncos and the Storm. Both teams have a rich legacy in the NRL, with numerous titles and memorable encounters over the years. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both clubs, potentially shaping their strategies and player dynamics in the coming seasons.
As fans eagerly await the clash, the broader context of the NRL season adds another layer of intrigue. The league has seen increased competition and shifting power dynamics, with emerging talents and strategic innovations influencing the game’s landscape. The grand final will not only crown a champion but also set the tone for the future of the sport.
With expert opinions divided and the stakes high, the NRL Grand Final promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle for rugby league enthusiasts. The match will be broadcast live and free on Nine and 9Now, offering fans the opportunity to witness the culmination of an exhilarating season.
