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{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Use Australian English|date=April 2015}}
{{Infobox rugby league football match
{{Infobox rugby league football match
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|imagesize = 125px
|imagesize = 125px
|alt =
|alt =
|home = [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs|Canterbury-Bankstown<br />Bulldogs]]
|home = [[File:Canterbury_colours.svg|50px]]<br />[[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs|Canterbury-Bankstown<br />Bulldogs]]
|away = [[Melbourne Storm|Melbourne<br/>Storm]]
|away = [[File:Melbourne_colours.svg|50px]]<br />[[Melbourne Storm|Melbourne<br />Storm]]
|home_abbr = CBY {{leagueicon|Canterbury|16}}
|home_abbr = CBY {{leagueicon|Canterbury|16}}
|away_abbr = MEL {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}}
|away_abbr = MEL {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}}
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|MoM = [[Cooper Cronk]] (MEL)
|MoM = [[Cooper Cronk]] (MEL)
|anthem_title = [[Advance Australia Fair|Australian National anthem]]
|anthem_title = [[Advance Australia Fair|Australian National anthem]]
|anthem = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Sarah De Bono]]
|anthem = [[Sarah De Bono]]
|referee = {{flagicon|AUS}} [[Tony Archer (referee)|Tony Archer]]
|referee = [[Tony Archer (referee)|Tony Archer]]<br />[[Ben Cummins]]<br />Paul Holland (Touch Judge)<br />Russell Turner (Touch Judge)
⚫
|attendance = 82,976<ref>{{cite news|last=Jancetic|first=Steve|title=Storm win NRL decider 14-4 over Bulldogs|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/storm-win-nrl-decider-144-over-bulldogs-20120930-26tji.html|access-date=30 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=30 September 2012}}</ref>
⚫
|referee2 = {{flagicon|AUS}} Ben Cummins
⚫
|attendance = 82,976<ref>{{cite news|last=Jancetic|first=Steve|title=Storm win NRL decider 14-4 over Bulldogs|url=http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-sport/storm-win-nrl-decider-144-over-bulldogs-20120930-26tji.html|accessdate=30 September 2012|newspaper=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=30 September 2012}}</ref>
|network = [[Nine Network]]
|network = [[Nine Network]]
|commentators = [[Ray Warren]]
|commentators = [[Ray Warren]]
|commentators2 = [[Peter Sterling]]
|commentators2 = [[Peter Sterling (rugby league commentator)|Peter Sterling]]
|commentators3 = [[Phil Gould]]
|commentators3 = [[Phil Gould (rugby league)|Phil Gould]]
|commentators4 = [[Andrew Johns]]
|commentators4 = [[Andrew Johns]]
|commentators5 = [[Wally Lewis]]
|commentators5 = [[Wally Lewis]]
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==Background==
==Background==
{{See also|2012 NRL season}}
{{See also|2012 NRL season}}
This was the fourth time the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm have faced each other in a finals series and the first in a grand final. It was the fifth time in the past seven seasons the Melbourne Storm featured in a grand final, although they were playing for their second official title. The Bulldogs played in their first decider since 2004 when they defeated the [[Sydney Roosters]] to win their last premiership. It was also the third time coaches [[Craig Bellamy (rugby league)|Craig Bellamy]] and [[Des Hasler]] oversaw their sides in a premiership decider after each claimed grand final success in their 2007 and 2008 meetings.
This was the fourth time the [[Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs]] and [[Melbourne Storm]] have faced each other in a finals series and the first in a grand final. It was the fifth time in the past seven seasons the [[Melbourne Storm]] featured in a grand final, although they were playing for their second official title. The Canterbury side played in their first decider since 2004 when they defeated the [[Sydney Roosters]] to win their last premiership. It was also the third time coaches [[Craig Bellamy (rugby league)|Craig Bellamy]] and [[Des Hasler]] oversaw their sides in a premiership decider after each claimed grand final success in their 2007 and 2008 meetings.

[[File:State of Origin Game II 2018.jpg|thumb|ANZ Stadium, where the match was played]]


{| style="float:left; font-size:70%; text-align:center; height:30px; padding:10px;"
{| style="float:left; font-size:70%; text-align:center; height:30px; padding:10px;"
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! colspan="11" | '''Legend''': {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
! colspan="11" | '''Legend''': {{legend2|#CCFFCC|Win|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}} {{legend2|#FFBBBB|Loss|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
|}
|}
Melbourne and Canterbury have faced each other twice in the regular season, with the Storm beating the Bulldogs 12-6 in a tight match at Melbourne's home ground in [[AAMI Park]] in round 7 whilst the Bulldogs got over the Storm later in round 16 with a score of 20-4 at Canterbury's non-traditional venue at [[Stadium Mackay|Virgin Australia Stadium]] in [[Mackay, Queensland]].
Melbourne and Canterbury have faced each other twice in the regular season, with the Melbourne side beating Canterbury-Bankstown 12–6 in a tight match at Melbourne's home ground in [[AAMI Park]] in round 7 whilst Canterbury got over Melbourne later in round 16 with a score of 20–4 at Canterbury's non-traditional venue at [[Stadium Mackay|Virgin Australia Stadium]] in [[Mackay, Queensland]].


Tickets to the grand final were sold out by 22 August, more than two weeks before finals playoffs begun.<ref>{{cite news|last=skynews.com.au|title=NRL Grand Final sold out|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/article.aspx?id=786657|accessdate=22 August 2012|newspaper=Sky News|date=22 August 2012}}</ref>
Tickets to the grand final were sold out by 22 August, more than two weeks before finals playoffs begun.<ref>{{cite news|last=skynews.com.au|title=NRL Grand Final sold out|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/sport/article.aspx?id=786657|access-date=22 August 2012|newspaper=Sky News|date=22 August 2012}}</ref>


===Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs===
===Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs===
{{see also|2012 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs season}}
{{see also|2012 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs season}}
The [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]] finished first on the regular season competition ladder, claiming the 2012 minor premiership with 18 wins from 24 matches and finishing on 40 premiership points. This was the club's 7th minor premiership in its history and its first since 1994. The Bulldog's 2012 season was characterised by a 12-game winning streak from round 11 to round 24, which was eventually ended after a 34-6 defeat to the [[Canberra Raiders]] in round 25. This loss gave Melbourne a chance to claim the minor premiership, however a 42-10 win over the [[Sydney Roosters]] in round 26 ensured the Bulldogs finished first.
The [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]] finished first on the regular season competition ladder, claiming the 2012 minor premiership with 18 wins from 24 matches and finishing on 40 premiership points. This was the club's 7th minor premiership in its history and its first since 1994. Canterbury's 2012 season was characterised by a 12-game winning streak from round 11 to round 24, which was eventually ended after a 34–6 defeat to the [[Canberra Raiders]] in round 25. This loss gave Melbourne a chance to claim the minor premiership, however a 42–10 win over the [[Sydney Roosters]] in round 26 ensured the Canterbury club finished first.


The Bulldogs began the 2012 finals series with a 16-10 win over the [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]] to ensure a preliminary final berth in week 3. They subsequently won this match 32-8 against the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] to qualify for the 2012 grand final against the Storm.
The Canterbury side began the 2012 finals series with a 16–10 win over the [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]] to ensure a preliminary final berth in week 3. They subsequently won this match 32–8 against the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] to qualify for the 2012 grand final against Melbourne.


This was the Bulldogs 17th grand final appearance and the club's first since [[2004 NRL Grand Final|2004]].
This was Canterbury's 17th grand final appearance and the club's first since [[2004 NRL Grand Final|2004]].


===Melbourne Storm===
===Melbourne Storm===
{{see also|2012 Melbourne Storm season}}
{{see also|2012 Melbourne Storm season}}
The Melbourne Storm finished second on the regular season competition leader just behind the Bulldogs on 38 premiership points, with 17 wins from 24 games. The Storm's 2012 season was characterised by a 9-game winning streak from round 1 to round 9, making them early premiership favourites. The Storm subsequently suffered a 5-game losing streak from round 16 to round 21, allowing the Bulldogs to overtake them to win the minor premiership. Despite this, the Storm finished the season winning their last 5 consecutive matches to finish second.
The [[Melbourne Storm]] finished second on the regular season competition leader just behind Canterbury-Bankstown on 38 premiership points, with 17 wins from 24 games. Melbourne's 2012 season was characterised by a 9-game winning streak from round 1 to round 9, making them early premiership favourites. The Melbourne club subsequently suffered a 5-game losing streak from round 16 to round 21, allowing Canterbury to overtake them to win the minor premiership. Despite this, the Melbourne club finished the season winning their last 5 consecutive matches to finish second.


The Storm began week 1 of the finals with a 24-6 victory over the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] to qualify for a preliminary final in week 3 against modern rivals the [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]]. The Storm won this match 40-12 to qualify for the 2012 NRL Grand Final against the Bulldogs.
Melbourne began week 1 of the finals with a 24–6 victory over the [[South Sydney Rabbitohs]] to qualify for a preliminary final in week 3 against modern rivals the [[Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles]]. Melbourne won this match 40–12 to qualify for the 2012 NRL Grand Final against Canterbury-Bankstown.


This was the Storm's fifth grand final appearance in seven seasons and its sixth appearance overall.
This was the Melbourne club's fifth grand final appearance in seven seasons and its sixth appearance overall.


==Team lists==
==Team lists==
Line 223: Line 224:
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Justin O'Neill]]
| style="text-align:center;"| [[Justin O'Neill]]
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
|| [[Josh Reynolds]]
|| [[Josh Reynolds (Australian rugby league player)|Josh Reynolds]]
| style="background:#eee;"| Five-eighth
| style="background:#eee;"| Five-eighth
|| [[Gareth Widdop]]
|| [[Gareth Widdop]]
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|| [[Michael Ennis]] (c)
|| [[Michael Ennis]] (c)
| style="background:#eee;"| Hooker
| style="background:#eee;"| Hooker
|| [[Cameron Smith]] (c)
|| [[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Cameron Smith]] (c)
|- style="text-align:center;"
|- style="text-align:center;"
|| [[Sam Kasiano]]
|| [[Sam Kasiano]]
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|}
|}
'''Note:''' Kevin Proctor swapped with Sika Manu from his interchange spot before the match.
'''Note:''' Kevin Proctor swapped with Sika Manu from his interchange spot before the match.

==Match details==
==Match details==
<section begin=scoreboard />
{{rugbyleaguebox
{{rugbyleaguebox
|bg = #f1f5fc
|bg = #f1f5fc
|date = Sunday, 30 October
|event = 2012 NRL Grand Final
|time = 5:00pm (AEDT)
|date = Sunday, 30 September
|time = 17:00 [[Time in Australia|AEST]] ([[UTC+10]])
|team1 = [[Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs]] {{leagueicon|Canterbury|16}}
|team1 = [[Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs]] {{leagueicon|Canterbury|16}}
⚫
|team2 = {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} [[Melbourne Storm]]
|score = 4 – 14
|score = 4 – 14
|1sthalf = 4–14
|report = 1st: 4 - 14<br/>2nd: 0 - 0
|2ndhalf = 0–0
⚫
|team2 = {{leagueicon|Melbourne|16}} [[Melbourne Storm]]'''
|report = [https://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/seasons/nrl-2012/grand-final/canterbury-vs-melbourne/summary.html Report]
|points1 = '''Tries:''' <br> '''[[Sam Perrett|Perrett]]''' (25') '''1'''<br>'''Goals:'''<br>[[Krisnan Inu|Inu]] '''0/1'''
|try1 = '''1'''<br>[[Sam Perrett|Perrett]] {{try|25}}
|points2 = '''Tries:''' <br>'''1''' (7') '''[[Ryan Hoffman|Hoffman]]'''<br>'''1''' (32') '''[[Billy Slater|Slater]]'''<br>'''1''' (39') '''[[Justin O'Neill|O'Neill]]'''<br>'''Goals:'''<br>'''1/5''' (32') '''[[Cameron Smith|Smith]]'''
|goal1 = <br>[[Krisnan Inu|Inu]] {{small|(0/1)}}
|field1 =
|try2 = '''3'''<br>[[Ryan Hoffman|Hoffman]] {{try|7}}<br>[[Billy Slater|Slater]] {{try|32}}<br>[[Justin O'Neill|O'Neill]] {{try|39}}
|goal2 = '''1'''<br>[[Cameron Smith (rugby league, born 1983)|Smith]] {{kick|32}} {{small|(1/3)}}
|stadium = [[Stadium Australia|ANZ Stadium]], [[Sydney]]
|stadium = [[Stadium Australia|ANZ Stadium]], [[Sydney]]
|attendance = 82,976
|referee = Tony Archer & Ben Cummins
|referee = [[Tony Archer (referee)|Tony Archer]]
<br/>[[Clive Churchill Medal]]: '''[[Cooper Cronk]]'''
⚫
|referee2 = [[Ben Cummins]]
|touch =
|potmaward = [[Clive Churchill Medal]]
|potmwinner = [[Cooper Cronk]] (Melbourne)
}}
}}
<section end=scoreboard />

===1st half===
===1st half===
The Storm began the first half with all the early possession, punishing a number of errors by the Bulldogs with several repeat sets. The relentless pressure was rewarded with a 7th minute try to Ryan Hoffman, bursting through a yawning gap after taking Gareth Widdop’s lovely short ball 10m out from the line to make it 4-0. Storm captain Cameron Smith missed the conversion. The Storm continued to pressure the Bulldogs’ try line over the next few minutes but they held strong, forcing the Storm to attempt a penalty conversion which was missed by Smith.
Melbourne began the first half with all the early possession, punishing a number of errors by Canterbury-Bankstown with several repeat sets. The relentless pressure was rewarded with a 7th minute try to Ryan Hoffman, bursting through a yawning gap after taking Gareth Widdop's lovely short ball 10m out from the line to make it 4–0. Melbourne captain Cameron Smith missed the conversion. Melbourne continued to pressure Canterbury's try line over the next few minutes but they held strong, forcing Melbourne to attempt a penalty conversion which was missed by Smith.


The Bulldogs took this as a sign of respect to their brutal defense and went on the attack, resulting in a 25th minute try to Sam Perrett, who beat Storm fullback Billy Slater to Krisnan Inu’s perfectly placed grubber kick. As Perrett dived over, Slater accidentally barged into him in his attempts to stop the try. Inu, reacting to what he thought was an illegal play by Slater, pushed the Storm fullback away, sparking an all in brawl which led to the one of the biggest controversies in Grand Final history. Once the fight was broken up, Slater claimed that he was bitten on the ear by Bulldogs prop James Graham. Video showed the fullback had blood coming from his ear and replays confirmed the allegations, clearly showing Graham biting Slater’s ear. Referee Tony Archer placed the incident on report and it was referred straight to the judiciary;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/storm-fullback-billy-slaters-ear-appears-to-show-bite-marks/story-e6frfgbo-1226485816010 |title=Storm fullback Billy Slater's ear appears to show bite marks |publisher= |date= |accessdate=2013-09-04}}</ref> Graham later received a 12 match ban.<ref>http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/graham-judiciary/story-e6frfgbo-1226488427893</ref> The try was awarded to Perrett, however, Inu missed the conversion and the score was locked at 4-4.
The Canterbury side took this as a sign of respect to their brutal defense and went on the attack, resulting in a 25th minute try to Sam Perrett, who beat Melbourne fullback Billy Slater to Krisnan Inu's perfectly placed grubber kick. As Perrett dived over, Slater accidentally barged into him in his attempts to stop the try. Inu, reacting to what he thought was an illegal play by Slater, pushed Melbourne fullback away, sparking an all in brawl which led to one of the biggest controversies in Grand Final history. Once the fight was broken up, Slater claimed that he was bitten on the ear by Canterbury prop James Graham. Video showed the fullback had blood coming from his ear and replays confirmed the allegations, clearly showing Graham biting Slater's ear. Referee Tony Archer placed the incident on report and it was referred straight to the judiciary;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/storm-fullback-billy-slaters-ear-appears-to-show-bite-marks/story-e6frfgbo-1226485816010 |title=Storm fullback Billy Slater's ear appears to show bite marks |access-date=2013-09-04}}</ref> Graham later received a 12 match ban.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/graham-judiciary/story-e6frfgbo-1226488427893|title=Graham Judiciary|work=Herald Sun}} {{dead link|date=January 2023}}</ref> The try was awarded to Perrett, however, Inu missed the conversion and the score was locked at 4-4.


The Storm used the controversial incident to spur them on, relaying the pressure on the Bulldogs. They capitalized in the 32nd minute where Storm halfback Cooper Cronk delivering a sublime no look pass to Slater as he burst through a gap beating two defenders to cross for the Storm, taking the score out to 10-4 after Smith’s conversion. The Storm were not done just yet, as they delivered the knockout blow a minute before halftime where Cronk supplied a pinpoint cross field bomb to Justin O’Neil who leapt over Bulldogs fullback Ben Barba to score the Storm’s third try. Smith missed the conversion once more and the Storm led 14-4 at halftime.
Melbourne used the controversial incident to spur them on, relaying the pressure on Canterbury. They capitalized in the 32nd minute where Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk delivering a sublime no look pass to Slater as he burst through a gap beating two defenders to cross for Melbourne, taking the score out to 10-4 after Smith's conversion. Melbourne were not done just yet, as they delivered the knockout blow a minute before halftime where Cronk supplied a pinpoint cross field bomb to Justin O’Neil who leapt over Canterbury fullback [[Ben Barba]] to score Melbourne's third try. Smith missed the conversion once more and Melbourne led 14–4 at halftime.


===2nd half===
===2nd half===
The second half was a defensive slog. The Storm didn’t touch the ball in the opening 10 minutes, holding out set after set of the Bulldogs attack. Bulldogs captain Michael Ennis seemed to have scored in the 49th minute only to be denied by Cameron Smith holding him up. The Storm went down the other end and Smith missed another penalty conversion, failing in his attempts to make it a two converted try lead. The closest the Bulldogs came to scoring was in the 61st minute where Barba made a break down the left hand wing, kicked over the top to centre Josh Morris, who failed to capitalise due to the bounce of the ball and Slater’s desperate defending. Storm prop Brian Norrie appeared to have scored a try in the 70th minute, diving over after Slater batted back Cronk’s bomb, however it was to be denied as Norrie was offside. The Storm held on to win the Grand Final 14-4. Storm halfback Cooper Cronk was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his man of the match performance.
The second half was a defensive slog. Melbourne didn't touch the ball in the opening 10 minutes, holding out set after set of Canterbury's attack. Canterbury captain [[Michael Ennis]] seemed to have scored in the 49th minute only to be denied by Cameron Smith holding him up. Melbourne went down the other end and Smith missed another penalty conversion, failing in his attempts to make it a two converted try lead. The closest the Canterbury side came to scoring was in the 61st minute where Barba made a break down the left hand wing, kicked over the top to centre Josh Morris, who failed to capitalise due to the bounce of the ball and Slater's desperate defending. Melbourne prop Brian Norrie appeared to have scored a try in the 70th minute, diving over after Slater batted back Cronk's bomb, however it was to be denied as Norrie was offside. Melbourne held on to win the Grand Final 14–4. Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk was awarded the [[Clive Churchill Medal]] for his man of the match performance.


The crowd of 82,976 was the highest Grand Final attendance at ANZ Stadium ever since it was re-constructed in 2002 and it was the first Grand Final to have a scoreless half of play. The Storm’s 2012 triumph was their 2nd legitimate title. The result also saw Storm coach Craig Bellamy take home his first valid championship.
The crowd of 82,976 was the highest Grand Final attendance at ANZ Stadium ever since it was re-constructed in 2002 and it was the first Grand Final to have a scoreless half of play. Melbourne's 2012 triumph was their 2nd legitimate title. The result also saw Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy take home his first valid championship.


==Aftermath==
==Aftermath==
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{{NRL grand finals}}
{{NRL grand finals}}


[[Category:NRL Grand Finals]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:NRL Grand Final}}
[[Category:NRL Grand Finals|2012]]
[[Category:2012 NRL season|Grand Final]]
[[Category:2012 NRL season|Grand Final]]
[[Category:Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs matches]]
[[Category:Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs matches]]

Latest revision as of 16:34, 19 January 2024

2012 (2012) NRL Grand Final  ()

Canterbury-Bankstown
Bulldogs
Melbourne
Storm
4 14
12 Total
CBY 40 4
MEL 140 14
Date30 September 2012
StadiumANZ Stadium
StandortSydney
Clive Churchill MedalCooper Cronk (MEL)
Australian National anthemSarah De Bono
RefereeTony Archer
Ben Cummins
Paul Holland (Touch Judge)
Russell Turner (Touch Judge)
Attendance82,976[1]
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
← 2011
2013 →

The 2012 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive and premiership-deciding game of the 2012 NRL season. Played on Sunday, 30 September at Sydney's ANZ Stadium between the minor premiers Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the second-placed Melbourne Storm. Melbourne won the match 14–4 in a tight contest to claim their second premiership title after their 2007 and 2009 titles were stripped due to major salary cap breaches.

Background

[edit]
See also: 2012 NRL season

This was the fourth time the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Melbourne Storm have faced each other in a finals series and the first in a grand final. It was the fifth time in the past seven seasons the Melbourne Storm featured in a grand final, although they were playing for their second official title. The Canterbury side played in their first decider since 2004 when they defeated the Sydney Roosters to win their last premiership. It was also the third time coaches Craig Bellamy and Des Hasler oversaw their sides in a premiership decider after each claimed grand final success in their 2007 and 2008 meetings.

ANZ Stadium, where the match was played
Bulldogs Storm
Rd.1 Panthers Raiders
Rd.2 Dragons Rabbitohs
Rd.3 Warriors Titans
Rd.4 Knights Roosters
Rd.5 Titans Knights
Rd.6 Rabbitohs Cowboys
Rd.7 Storm Bulldogs
Rd.8 Sea Eagles Warriors
Rd.9 Eels Panthers
Rd.10 Titans Sharks
Rd.11 Sharks Bye
Rd.12 Roosters Broncos
Rd.13 Rabbitohs Warriors
Rd.14 Bye Tigers
Rd.15 Dragons Sea Eagles
Rd.16 Storm Bulldogs
Rd.17 Bye Bye
Rd.18 Tigers Raiders
Rd.19 Eels Cowboys
Rd.20 Sea Eagles Eels
Rd.21 Cowboys Dragons
Rd.22 Knights Panthers
Rd.23 Broncos Titans
Rd.24 Tigers Broncos
Rd.25 Raiders Sharks
Rd.26 Roosters Tigers
QF Sea Eagles Rabbitohs
SF DNP DNP
PF Rabbitohs Sea Eagles
GF Storm Bulldogs
Legend:   Win   Loss

Melbourne and Canterbury have faced each other twice in the regular season, with the Melbourne side beating Canterbury-Bankstown 12–6 in a tight match at Melbourne's home ground in AAMI Park in round 7 whilst Canterbury got over Melbourne later in round 16 with a score of 20–4 at Canterbury's non-traditional venue at Virgin Australia Stadium in Mackay, Queensland.

Tickets to the grand final were sold out by 22 August, more than two weeks before finals playoffs begun.[2]

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

[edit]
See also: 2012 Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs season

The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs finished first on the regular season competition ladder, claiming the 2012 minor premiership with 18 wins from 24 matches and finishing on 40 premiership points. This was the club's 7th minor premiership in its history and its first since 1994. Canterbury's 2012 season was characterised by a 12-game winning streak from round 11 to round 24, which was eventually ended after a 34–6 defeat to the Canberra Raiders in round 25. This loss gave Melbourne a chance to claim the minor premiership, however a 42–10 win over the Sydney Roosters in round 26 ensured the Canterbury club finished first.

The Canterbury side began the 2012 finals series with a 16–10 win over the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles to ensure a preliminary final berth in week 3. They subsequently won this match 32–8 against the South Sydney Rabbitohs to qualify for the 2012 grand final against Melbourne.

This was Canterbury's 17th grand final appearance and the club's first since 2004.

Melbourne Storm

[edit]
See also: 2012 Melbourne Storm season

The Melbourne Storm finished second on the regular season competition leader just behind Canterbury-Bankstown on 38 premiership points, with 17 wins from 24 games. Melbourne's 2012 season was characterised by a 9-game winning streak from round 1 to round 9, making them early premiership favourites. The Melbourne club subsequently suffered a 5-game losing streak from round 16 to round 21, allowing Canterbury to overtake them to win the minor premiership. Despite this, the Melbourne club finished the season winning their last 5 consecutive matches to finish second.

Melbourne began week 1 of the finals with a 24–6 victory over the South Sydney Rabbitohs to qualify for a preliminary final in week 3 against modern rivals the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles. Melbourne won this match 40–12 to qualify for the 2012 NRL Grand Final against Canterbury-Bankstown.

This was the Melbourne club's fifth grand final appearance in seven seasons and its sixth appearance overall.

Team lists

[edit]
Canterbury-Bankstown
Bulldogs 		Position Melbourne
Storm
Ben Barba Fullback Billy Slater
Sam Perrett Wing Sisa Waqa
Josh Morris Centre Dane Nielsen
Krisnan Inu Centre Will Chambers
Jonathan Wright Wing Justin O'Neill
Josh Reynolds Five-eighth Gareth Widdop
Kris Keating Halfback Cooper Cronk
Aiden Tolman Prop Jesse Bromwich
Michael Ennis (c) Hooker Cameron Smith (c)
Sam Kasiano Prop Bryan Norrie
Frank Pritchard 2nd Row Kevin Proctor
Josh Jackson 2nd Row Ryan Hoffman
Greg Eastwood Lock Todd Lowrie
James Graham Interchange Sika Manu
Dale Finucane Interchange Ryan Hinchcliffe
Corey Payne Interchange Jaiman Lowe
David Stagg Interchange Richie Fa'aoso
Des Hasler Coach Craig Bellamy

Note: Kevin Proctor swapped with Sika Manu from his interchange spot before the match.

Match details

[edit]
2012 NRL Grand Final
Sunday, 30 September
17:00 AEST (UTC+10)
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 4 – 14 Melbourne Storm
Tries: 1
Perrett rugby ball 25'
Goals:
Inu (0/1)
 1st: 4–14
2nd: 0–0
Report
 Tries: 3
Hoffman rugby ball 7'
Slater rugby ball 32'
O'Neill rugby ball 39'
Goals: 1
Smith rugby goalposts icon 32' (1/3)


1st half

[edit]

Melbourne began the first half with all the early possession, punishing a number of errors by Canterbury-Bankstown with several repeat sets. The relentless pressure was rewarded with a 7th minute try to Ryan Hoffman, bursting through a yawning gap after taking Gareth Widdop's lovely short ball 10m out from the line to make it 4–0. Melbourne captain Cameron Smith missed the conversion. Melbourne continued to pressure Canterbury's try line over the next few minutes but they held strong, forcing Melbourne to attempt a penalty conversion which was missed by Smith.

The Canterbury side took this as a sign of respect to their brutal defense and went on the attack, resulting in a 25th minute try to Sam Perrett, who beat Melbourne fullback Billy Slater to Krisnan Inu's perfectly placed grubber kick. As Perrett dived over, Slater accidentally barged into him in his attempts to stop the try. Inu, reacting to what he thought was an illegal play by Slater, pushed Melbourne fullback away, sparking an all in brawl which led to one of the biggest controversies in Grand Final history. Once the fight was broken up, Slater claimed that he was bitten on the ear by Canterbury prop James Graham. Video showed the fullback had blood coming from his ear and replays confirmed the allegations, clearly showing Graham biting Slater's ear. Referee Tony Archer placed the incident on report and it was referred straight to the judiciary;[3] Graham later received a 12 match ban.[4] The try was awarded to Perrett, however, Inu missed the conversion and the score was locked at 4-4.

Melbourne used the controversial incident to spur them on, relaying the pressure on Canterbury. They capitalized in the 32nd minute where Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk delivering a sublime no look pass to Slater as he burst through a gap beating two defenders to cross for Melbourne, taking the score out to 10-4 after Smith's conversion. Melbourne were not done just yet, as they delivered the knockout blow a minute before halftime where Cronk supplied a pinpoint cross field bomb to Justin O’Neil who leapt over Canterbury fullback Ben Barba to score Melbourne's third try. Smith missed the conversion once more and Melbourne led 14–4 at halftime.

2nd half

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The second half was a defensive slog. Melbourne didn't touch the ball in the opening 10 minutes, holding out set after set of Canterbury's attack. Canterbury captain Michael Ennis seemed to have scored in the 49th minute only to be denied by Cameron Smith holding him up. Melbourne went down the other end and Smith missed another penalty conversion, failing in his attempts to make it a two converted try lead. The closest the Canterbury side came to scoring was in the 61st minute where Barba made a break down the left hand wing, kicked over the top to centre Josh Morris, who failed to capitalise due to the bounce of the ball and Slater's desperate defending. Melbourne prop Brian Norrie appeared to have scored a try in the 70th minute, diving over after Slater batted back Cronk's bomb, however it was to be denied as Norrie was offside. Melbourne held on to win the Grand Final 14–4. Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk was awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for his man of the match performance.

The crowd of 82,976 was the highest Grand Final attendance at ANZ Stadium ever since it was re-constructed in 2002 and it was the first Grand Final to have a scoreless half of play. Melbourne's 2012 triumph was their 2nd legitimate title. The result also saw Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy take home his first valid championship.

Aftermath

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Main article: 2013 World Club Challenge

The Melbourne Storm's premiership victory qualified them to compete against the Super League XVII champions, Leeds Rhinos in the 2013 World Club Challenge.

References

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  1. ^ Jancetic, Steve (30 September 2012). "Storm win NRL decider 14-4 over Bulldogs". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 30 September 2012.
  2. ^ skynews.com.au (22 August 2012). "NRL Grand Final sold out". Sky News. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  3. ^ "Storm fullback Billy Slater's ear appears to show bite marks". Retrieved 4 September 2013.
  4. ^ "Graham Judiciary". Herald Sun. [dead link]
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