The prestigious Clive Churchill Medal has been awarded to rugby league’s grand final standouts since 1986, and over the years, halfbacks have dominated the honour board.
When: Sunday October 6, 2024 at 7:30 pm
Where: Accor Stadium
Bet 💰: Bet On This Match
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Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Odds
Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Preview
With 12 of the 38 medals going to players in the No.7 jersey, Nathan Cleary’s recent performances have only solidified the trend. After leading the Penrith Panthers to victory in 2021 and 2023, Cleary is eyeing an unprecedented third Churchill Medal and stands as a $5 co-favourite alongside Melbourne Storm’s Jahrome Hughes.
Cameron Munster ($8) is another key contender from the Storm, while fellow Panthers playmaker Jarome Luai sits further back at $17. While the halfbacks have enjoyed much of the limelight, fullbacks have made their presence felt in recent years, with five No.1s taking home the medal in the past 15 deciders. Among them are Sunday night’s opponents, 2020 winner Ryan Papenhuyzen ($13) and 2022 recipient Dylan Edwards ($11).
In contrast, hookers have been underrepresented, but Storm’s Harry Grant ($11) is poised to break that trend with his finals form, while the ever-reliable Isaah Yeo ($11) remains the top-rated forward. Forwards, outside of hookers, have struggled for recognition, and no centre or winger has ever claimed the medal.
As the anticipation builds for this year’s decider, the battle for the Churchill Medal promises to be as fierce as the game itself.
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Melbourne Storm vs Penrith Panthers Teams
Storm team: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. William Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16. Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Kane Bradley 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Sualauvi Faalogo
Panthers team: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 11. Luke Garner 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 19. Scott Sorensen 20. Trent Toelau 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton
