Melbourne Storm
What happened in the 2009 NRL Grand Final?
Right from the opening whistle, Melbourne Storm set the pace. They jumped out to a 10–0 lead at halftime against Parramatta, and though the Eels fought back in the second half, the Storm never really looked threatened. The final score? 23–16 in Melbourne’s favor. It was their third premiership since joining the NRL, proving once again why they were a force to be reckoned with.1
Premiership Winners and Records
Here’s the thing: no team has dominated the modern NRL like the Roosters. They’ve lifted the trophy 15 times, including back-to-back wins in 2018 and 2019. That’s a feat no other club has matched in the NRL’s recent history. And for all the expansion teams that have joined since the 90s? The New Zealand Warriors are the only ones still waiting for their first taste of glory.2
Undefeated Seasons and Winning Streaks
Imagine winning 19 out of 20 games and drawing the other. That’s exactly what St. George did in 1959. It’s the last time any team finished a season without a loss in the NRL era. Now, if you’re talking streaks, the Brisbane Broncos take the cake. In 1993, they rattled off 18 straight wins—still the longest winning streak in NRL history.3
Notable Players and Milestones
These two legends retired in the early 2020s, but their records still stand tall. Slater, a fullback, snagged two premierships with Melbourne and holds the record for most tries in State of Origin history. Smith, a hooker, isn’t just the NRL’s all-time top point-scorer—he also won three premierships with the Storm. Honestly, you’d be hard-pressed to find two more clutch players in the league’s history.4
