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By The Adjudicator
foxsports.com.au
September 29, 2009

After 26 rounds and three weeks of finals, we are down to two teams: the blood, sweat and tears are wiped clear for The Adjudicator's NRL grand final preview.

Following my second perfect week of finals tipping, I am feeling the pressure for the last hurrah - especially with Mrs Adjudicator in my ear for more spending money for the annual off-season trip to the Gold Coast.

So who will it be? A second premiership in four years for the Storm, or a first trophy since 1986 for the Eels? Read on for my early thoughts. As always, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Melbourne Storm v Parramatta, Sunday 5pm (EDT), ANZ Stadium
The Adjudicator says: “The printers were put on hold until late on Sunday, when the match review panel ruled Jarryd Hayne was to be included in the program as the star billing. His understudy for the lead role, Billy Slater, will be looking to steal the limelight, saying the performances of Hayne have been an inspiration. Along with the rest of his cast, the Storm are a cohesive unit that have attracted nothing but rave reviews throughout the finals series. The Eels, on the other hand, have endured a difficult rehearsal period, but their routine improved so much it included seven straight sold-out weeks, and they were granted an extended tour in September. If the Storm cracks the Eels’ defence and Hayne is outshone on the biggest stage of all, they’ll claim the title as the curtain is pulled down.”

Agree/disagree with The Adjudicator? Tell him, in 100 words or fewer, why your team will win this match. Email The Adjudicator, including your full name and where you're from.

LATEST COMMENTS FROM FANS
Eels fan Peter Wilkinson says: "Hi, I hear everyone talking about the great form that the storm are carrying into this year’s grand final, I don’t understand this form that the storm supporters are so dearly clinging too. They beat the broncos who clearly could have had the same 40-10 score posted against them by any school boy side in Australia. Before that the beat a manly side that had just been pushed to the end by a 12 man bottom of the table sharks outfit, good win there guys!! In regular season they have won 5 games away from Melbourne and they were against no top sides. So where is this form?? Not to mention the large percentage of parra supporters that will attend the grand final, so what exactly is making these storm supporters so confident? Finally the thing that makes me so confident this year is the look on the parra players face, in the past they have thought they could win, but you see this year they all know they can win. All in all give me parra’s position anyday."

Storm fan Dwight of Hong Kong says: "Do you have any opinion on the Broncos fielding 14 men and still losing? If you follow the footage, Alfie Langer was on as the runner and directing play, especially kicking, behind the Broncos attacking line. Should that be allowed to go on? Can there be a place for both Billy Slater and Jarod Hayne in the test team? Surely Billy has to go in as fullback. Go the Storm."

Storm fan Liz Clements says: "Cameron Smith has a long memory from last year. The best and most under-rated player in the world will drive the Storm up and down the field. I watched him against the Broncos and he just led them a merry dance. The Eels will win over Cameron Smith's dead body."

Eels fan Bruce of Perth says: "Everyone has forgotten what an impact Ben Smith has had since his return and clever positioning in the second row. He gets through a mountain of work with Nathan in defence and attack. Eels in a close one."

Eels fan Martina Wardell of Canberra says: "Mr A, Parramatta by 10 is my tip. Both teams are strong and Slater and Inglis are certainly MS danger men. If Hayne has a blinder the score could seriously blow out in favour of the Eels (he's our insurence policy), but its the talent of the team as a whole that stands Parra in good stead for a victory. Mortimor, Moi Moi, Inu, Mateo, Groethe, Robson and the little pocket rocket Burt bring flair and depth to the Eels attack. Above all of this though - Parra have a strength of heart that Melbourne lack. Playing with self-belief, enlivened by the generations of a passionate club and supporters gives Parra a crucial edge over the Storm; a historically shallow team with nothing more to play for than the embarrassment of a 1/4 GF record. Parra have more to play for, and providing they show up on Sunday with their A game, knocking over the Storm shouldn't be a problem."

Eels fan Paul McDonnell says: "Will there be a fairytale ending for the Cinderella team Parramatta, who just 13 weeks ago carried the Ugly Duckling tag as it waddled despairingly deep into the evil forest of wooden spoons? Wicked witches cackled “Off goes your head and on goes a pumpkin” as the bewildered boys in Blue and Gold ran around like 13 blind mice in a series of horrifying mid-season performances. Then a dashing Prince Charming named Hayne rode to the rescue as a young Sorcerer’s Apprentice named Mortimer lifted the sword from the stone and started to weave his magic, marking the turning point of the season. The amazing transformation from frogs to Princes and mice to men (and in Daniel Anderson’s case, from pumpkin to gilt-edged Coach) has made Parramatta the belle of the ball through the finals. They slew Dragons, toppled Titans and defied Dogs to be within reach of The Holy Grail. But then the curse of curses as Nathan Cayless took a bite from a poisoned apple and limped from the field desperately in need of a visit from his Fairy Godmother to make the Grand Final. It might take a minor miracle for Captain Courageous to lead his men to that final battle. Without him they’ll need a major miracle – even with tireless warrior Nathan Hindmarsh filling the breach. But miracles do happen – especially in this “fantastic” game of rugby league. Just ask Balmain’s 1969 Premiership team or Steve Jackson and the rest of the heroic Green Machine from 1989. And what better result could there be than a grandstand finish to a Fairytale season - Eels by 1 point in extra time."

Storm fan Chris McCarron says: "Mr A. Sundays forecast is for showers and a massive STORM. I can see one result and one result only. Melbourne Storm Premiers 2009. The thing that the Eels have been doing so well for so long now is attacking and scoring when the opposition gives them cheap turnovers. This weekend they won't be getting those cheap turnovers. They may get 1 or 2 over 80 minutes but I can assure you 12 points will not beat a side with Slater and Inglis. Melbourne 28-10. Brett Finch to get the Clive Churchill."

Matthew of Brisbane says: "Firstly, I'd like to put to bed the Hayne match review committee ruling. It was good to see that they are at least being consistent. (Who remembers Thurston in Origin this year? He played the following weekend after conceding an 8 point try, as he also had no carry overs). The major weapon that the Eels have is the offload. They do it better than anyone else. The poor old dogs were making 10-12 tackles per set, let alone 6. As for the Storm, they didn't even let the Broncos in the game. Both teams defensive records can only withstand each other's attacking prowess for so long, but the Eels will crack first as they have already played their GF. Total points for the game to exceed 50, but the Storm to run away with it in the last 15 mins."

David Wilson of Burleigh Heads says: "Whilst everybody is focused on the Hayne/Slater battle, it's clearly been defence that has given these teams a Grand Final berth. The Eels have kept some handy teams to low scores. They have played Number 1, 2 and 3 teams from the competition in the finals and have let in an average of less than 9 points per game. Melbourne have been just as ruthless with scores of 12 and 10 against them, but by the number 5 and 6 teams. The winner will come down to patience and ability to play for each other for the full eighty minutes. Death before defeat is the Eels motto, and given that they have knocked off the top 3 sides in the Finals run, they are clear favourites to win a very close and entertaining game. Given that I can't bring myself to support a love child of the failed greedy super league, it's Parra all round for me."

Eels fan Brendan of Brisbane says: "Mr Ace, A couple of stats for you ponder on. The last game the Melbourne Drizzle won in sydney was in round 9 against the wooden spooners, come on!!. Dogs 26-10 in Gosford, Raiders 26-16 in Canberra, PARRA 18-16 in Parra, Dragons 26-12 Sydney, Knights 26-14 Newcaste. Yes that last score wasn't a typo even the Knights towled up MS in NSW. Its evident that the Storm don't show up when they come to Sydney this game will be no different. Storm are soon to become the chokers of chokers, 1/4 grandfinals haha and that stat is in the back of the mind of every storm player, official and fan!! Robson to dominate once again for the clive churchill!!! PARRA 2009 PREMIERS PUT YOUR HOUSE ON IT!!!!"

Storm fan Rod Hart says: "Melbourne will win. The old saying goes “Cheats never prosper”. The NRL Review panel and the NRL have cheated by allowing jarryd Hain to play. Anyway, as he is all parramatta have got they may as well not turn up . Storm by 30. Party at my place."

Eels fan Lees says: "Mr A, Storm fans really think this will be a walkover, and why do they (everyone) say stop Hayne and you will win. Who was player of the match last week? Hayne has been relatively quite in the last few games, we have plenty of weapons to match the Storm – unheralded players, Smith and Lowrie – Fui, Hindmarsh Cayless Keating in great form. Then the backs – Hayne, Reddy (very underrated) Burt/Grothe (form of there career’s) and the smokeys – Robson/Mortimer. The bench is also very strong and in good form. Only concern is Cayless fitness. They are defending well, attacking better than other team, there offload skill and ability is second to none. All credit to Storm for making it to 4 GF’s in a row, fantastic effort. This will be a super game – EELS to win in extra time( its been 23years we are due)."

Brian Daly says: "Hilarious comment below about the Eels not knowing how to lose the big games. 2001 GF, hot favourites and lost it in the first 30 mins. Final v Nth Queensland in 2005, MASSIVE choke. Melbourne are in form at exactly the right time and have more than one star to go to. They also have huge GF experience, something the Eels lack and that will count for something. They wont have forgotten the embarrassment of last year, which perhaps would not have been as bad had Cameron Smith been flavour of the month at the time..."

Storm fan Rabby of Berwick, Victoria says: "Dear Mr. Adjudicator, It is with great sadness that I look on Paramatta's glorious finals run. Who could have believed that in the closing stages of the regular season that they would have even reached the series let alone reached the big one. The once wooden spoon contenders have done themselves proud in reaching the last match of the season so it is with a sad heart that I have to tell you that this particular fairy tale cannot have its happy ending. The Storm have had the perfect lead up to this GF, their players rested, No injuries and only a few minor bumps and bruises, No suspensions and no off field dramas to distract them from their single goal. The result next week is oh so clear, so obvious in fact that I am going to make my prediction for this time next year, that the Storm will be heading for their fifth GF in succession as reigning premiers."

Storm fan Mike Ball of Melbourne says: "Hi Adjudicator. I know I knnow. It's hard not to get caught up in 'Eel-mania' - and it's great to see the hundreds of thousands of Eels fans suddenly awake from their 30 year hibernation and show some support for their team. I was beginning to think the only future the Eels had was a merge with Penrith - the Penrith Pantheels. If I was an Eels fan - I'd be really happy just to make the Grand Final. They've well and truly over-acheived this year and to make the biggest game from 8th spot is a great achievement. BUT....If I was an Eels fan I'd be s--t scared about facing this Melbourne Storm outfit. I've been a Storm fan since inception and I can tell you the Storm have never looked this scary. Not in 2006. Not in 2007. And certainly not last year. This team has clicked and is firing on all cylinders. We are like a shiny black Mercedes Benz convertible. All class and prestige. No other team can go with the Storm - certainly not one that relies so much on one player - Jarryd 'Lotto Ticket' Hayne. The Storm pack is the best and biggest since 2007 (and better than 2006) and their bench is deeper. Their halves are better and more complete than any previous year. But - the big reason - is all their stars have hit submlime form for the first time this season: Cam Smith has been awesome. Cooper is in career best form. Slater is picking up where 2007 ended. And Greg Inglis...well just ask the Broncos. Eels played their Grand Final last week. And they enjoyed it too from all accounts. However, the Storm will have one thing and one thing only motivating them: Fear of failure. A loss means 1 win from 4 Grand Finals. A record that will forever taint their careers and the club. They will destroy the Eels. It won't even be close."

Storm fan Daniel Russell of Piggabeen says: "Well Judy, it looks like this is it. The end of a long running professional relationship based on mutual respect and my uncompromising passion for my team. Let's not get too emotional now... Alright Paramatta fans, I see your Jarryd Hayne and raise you a Greg Inglis. These pair were unstoppable last week against the broncos and will be unstoppable again this week. This is Melbourne's fourth grand final in four years - our experience will give us the edge over the Eels. Storm by 25+"

Eels fan Pete Proud of Quinns Rocks West says: "Hi mate, I reckon the Eels because as you stated the backup in the team to get to the line is so important. Who scores,who cares ? As long as they score and to score you have to get close enough more frequently than your competitor . That is what the Eels do. That is why I reckon they will have the edge over the Storm. Mind you, probably not by much but enough."

Eels fan Gaz Macquine of Lane Cove says: "The Eels will win on Sunday due to the fact that they don't know how to lose the big games. They have shown time and time again they can match it with the best, including a good win over the Storm not so long ago. The Storm were full strength that night as well and I have fond memories of Inglis being unable to chase down Burt and Slater getting absolutely toyed with by one Jarryd Hayne. The Eels will aim up once more on Grand Final and will have a game plan to contain and defeat this ominous Storm outfit. Eels by 7."

Eels fan Darrell Evans of Perth says: "Hi Mr A, very good effort for you to sit on the fence again with your carefully worded nothing comments. Follow my perfect tipping record and go for the Eels by 2-6 in a very hard and tight game. Hayne and Slater will get plenty of attention but there are danger men on both sides.Defence is the key and the way the Eels defended their line on Friday night would have been a worry for the Storm! I think Mortimer will give ex Eels Finch a genuine lesson in creativity and how the game should be played."

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