The match-ups that will make or break the NRL grand final

NRL premierships are won by great teams working every day through a long, hard season. Grand finals are often won by moments of individual magic that come and go in the blink of an eye.

When Melbourne and Brisbane clash at Accor Stadium on Sunday, both teams will be well armed with strike weapons and attacking options.

Both sides will be intent on playing mistake-free football, getting to their kick and trapping their opponents deep in their territory. They’ll want to win it with their defence.

But at the same time, they’ll need to create chances to score points, and that’s where a handful of players can make or break an entire season.

Which of the big guns will win their head-to-head duels and tip the ledger in their team’s favour?

Adam Reynolds v Jahrome Hughes

It seems hard to believe that last week Hughes and Reynolds were returning from long-term injuries.

Hughes rushed back in 22 days from a broken arm, which followed a dislocated shoulder. Reynolds hadn’t played for weeks because of a torn hamstring. 

Yet the champion playmakers got through the preliminary finals to prove their fitness for the Big Dance in emphatic style.

Hughes showed no ill-effects, scoring a try and starring in general play to help the Storm outgun Cronulla. Reynolds kicked the decisive conversion and was his usual cool, calm and collected self in Brisbane’s comeback win against Penrith.

They are very different styles of halfback, but Reynolds and Hughes are equally influential for their teams. Both have won grand finals previously and know exactly what to bring on Sunday.

Payne Haas v Stefano Utoikamanu

Melbourne enforcer Utoikamanu got on the front foot on Monday, firing a broadside that Brisbane colossus Haas will presumably have filed away for future reference.

“I’m going to make sure I set up this week to get that first kick of the game – there are going to be a lot of people I want to run at, a lot of people I don’t like on this team,” Utoikamanu said.

“I’m keen to go out there and run someone over. I don’t want to name names – there are a lot of people I think are a bit stuck up. I’m pretty keen just to run out and do a job for our team.”

A bemused Haas responded by saying he didn’t care what Utoikamanu said, because actions would speak louder than words.

“At the end of the day, we’ll go out there on Sunday, and we’ll see if they’re still going to be throwing [sledges] around,” he said.

The two NSW Origin teammates sound ready to get it on.

Reece Walsh v Ryan Papenhuyzen

It’s crazy to think that neither of these two dynamos were required during State of Origin.

That probably shows how strong the current era of fullbacks is, but Walsh and Papenhuyzen are as good as any of them, regardless of how the representative selectors see it.

After an inconsistent start to the season, Walsh has caught fire to inspire Brisbane’s two remarkable comebacks in the play-offs. He will worry Storm coach Craig Bellamy every time he touches the ball.

By the same token, Papenhuyzen is a prolific try sneak and proven big-game performer, as evidenced by his Clive Churchill Medal for man of the match in the 2020 grand final.

Arguably they will be the two most dangerous players on the ground.

Cameron Munster v Ben Hunt

Like Hughes and Reynolds, Munster and Hunt are a study in contrasts.

Hunt is just a consummate ball-playing pro, who knows where to be and when to be there. He and Reynolds have formed the oldest, most wily halves pairing in the business.

And after the opening 20 minutes or so, Hunt is expected to show his utility value by moving to hooker, allowing Ezra Mam to enter the fray.

Munster, meanwhile, has been in superlative form this season, even by his standards. He was sensational in the State of Origin series decider, and nobody doubts he can have a similar impact in the grand final.

Kotoni Staggs v Jack Howarth

Howarth faces one of the most daunting assignments in Sunday’s grand final when he lines up opposite Brisbane flyer Staggs.

Staggs has been in the form of his career this season, culminating in his devastating displays against Canberra and Penrith in the play-offs.

The former NSW Origin and Kangaroos centre is a powerful ball-carrier, but Howarth has a distinct size advantage – he is eight centimetres taller and 10 kilograms heavier than Staggs.

His extra muscle is precisely what Melbourne will need against Brisbane, giving their left edge the capacity to fight fire with fire.

If the 22-year-old can keep Staggs contained on Sunday, it will go a long way towards winning the grand final.

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