2020 NRL Grand Final Tips - Expert Predictions & Betting Odds

Andrew ‘Fifi’ Fifita was born on the 29 day of June, 1989. Coincidentally, he has a twin brother David that was also born on that day, which according to medical professionals, is not uncommon. He also has an older brother Latu (stylised as LA2). Andrew was the nephew of John Fifita, who had an unsuccessful career at the Dragons and he is also the nephew of Solomon Haumono, ex-partner of Gabrielle ‘The Pleasure Machine’ Richens.
In the context of this pedigree it is no wonder Andrew had a troubled and tumultuous upbringing. He struggled with school and had extreme difficulty with spelling, a problem that lasted into adulthood. When his football career took off, journalists asked him how to spell his name, and his instruction resulted in his surname commonly misspelled as ‘Fafita’; a legacy that persists to this day.
He constantly skipped school, preferring to hang with David outside Westpoint Blacktown. The two brothers were described by local shopkeepers as being ‘thick as thieves’ in all 3 senses of the word. The brothers were constantly in trouble with the local police for a range of petty crimes: loitering, petty vandalism, aggravated buggery and trespass.
At age 8 Andrew formed his first gang – the Blacktown Bois.
An anonymous source recalled Andrew killing a homeless person at age 11 however this could not be verified in any way.
At age 12 Andrew and David joined the gang of another local youth, Mathew Lodge, pledging allegiance to the ‘Mathew Lodge A Complaint Against Us And You’ll End Up In A Body Bag’ gang, or MLACAUAYEUIABB for short. Andrew became concerned with the psychotic level of violence from Lodge and threatened to leave. The final straw came when Andrew was caught tagging the gangs name on disputed territory. Due to the amount of time it took to tag the walls and the risks it posed, he left the gang at age 14.
It was around the 5th time that Andrew’s mum bailed him out of prison that he was given an ultimatum. In an interview for 60 Minutes Up Late Edition, Andrew recalled this turning point in his life. ‘Mum had just bailed me out after another thievin’ spree. I got in the car and she said ‘Andrew, I love you very much, but you need to change your wicked ways you naughty, cheeky, silly boy. Here’s the deal. I have arranged for you to spend time down in Griffith with a family friend. You need to get out of Blacktown. Also if you don’t go, I am going to slowly poison David until you decide to go. You don’t need more blood on your hands.’ When she said that to me I was thinking ‘Man I’m hungry’ and then I thought Ok, I’ll go. There’s mad sick weed in Griffith and I can work for the Trimboles’ and all that as like an enforcer or a soldier’.
Unfortunately for Andrew, Robert Trimbole had died approximately 15 years earlier and his drug distribution network largely disbanded by the time Andrrw arrived. Regardless he went to Griffith and remained there for several years before returning to Sydney to finish school, now relatively free from the life of crime that had previously seemed inevitable.
Andrew was a talented junior footballer, and trialled with the Roosters as a winger. He was eventually signed by the West Tigers as an impact forward and made his NRL debut off the bench in 2010, scoring a try. He finished the year representing Tonga in an international, eligible through his father’s heritage. Andrew said he would have liked to have represented Australia, however there were many far-better players at the time that warranted selection over the 4 game Wests Tigers rookie.
Towards the end of the 2011 season Andrew fell out of favour with coach Tim Sheens and was dropped to NSW Cup. Sheens’ instructions were for him to go back and ‘channel his inner Laurie Nichols’ but Andrew had no idea what that meant and therefore didn’t get another opportunity in first grade.
Frustrated, he signed a 3 year deal with the Cronulla Sharks. This was part of a package deal with Bryce Gibbs, freeing up salary cap space so the Tigers could then sign Adam Blair, in a deal that Tigers fans need to be constantly and mercilessly reminded of at every available opportunity.
At the Sharks, Andrew flourished. He was given regular game-time, his own locker, new boots and a sausage sandwich every second Wednesday after training and it showed in his performances.
2013 was the year Andrew announced himself as one of the premier front-rowers in the world. He was selected for the NSW Origin team, playing all 3 games of the series off the bench. At the end of the year he was the Sharks leading try scorer with 9 for the season, however that was more a reflection of the Sharks attacking woes than Fifita’s try scoring ability.
Andrew was also named Dally M Prop of the Year. At the awards speech, Andrew was quoted as saying ‘this is an amazing honour, now all I need to do is win the award for International Special Best World Prop of the Year’, an award coach Shane Flanagan had in fact made up to motivate him.
Off the back of his individual performances, Andrew was selected to play for Australia in the 2013 World Cup. In the semi-final match against Fiji, Andrew scored the last try of the match in the nail- biting 64-0 win. Interestingly, this was the last try ever called by BBC rugby league commentator Ray French before he retired. ‘Rather unfortunate and, quite frankly, a waste of me bloody breath’ is how French fondly recalled the occasion.
Andrew was on top of the world at the end of 2013. Quite fittingly, he summited Mt Everest on New Years Eve. It is said that all good things must come to an end, and 2014 and 2015 did not list many positive moments as featured on Andrew’s Facebook ‘Year in review’.
In March 2014 Andrew signed a four-year, $800,000 a season contract with the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. Two weeks later, the contract was terminated. There was conflicting accounts from both sides on why this occurred.
The Bulldogs claimed they were unhappy with comments Andrew made in the media after signing, saying things such as he wished he chose Rugby Union, his heart will always be in Cronulla and that he does not support gang rape.
Andrew, on the other hand, stated that his official contract offer was significantly less than agreed on, and the clause allowing his brother to be the one that led Spike and Belmore James onto the field at each home game was removed entirely.
Andrew eventually signed a contract extension with the Sharks, but he first had to personally apologise to the Board for trying to leave, run 20 extra laps at training and was required to chop onions for the Wednesday sausage sizzles for the rest of the year.
2014 was the year the Sharks faced the full punishment over their supplement saga and their on field performance suffered. While not one of the players facing a ban, Andrew was unable to lift the side as he suffered an ankle injury that kept him off the field for the majority of the season. Some commentators believe he would have recovered a lot quicker if he had of been part of the Sharks doping regime.
Andrew missed all 3 games of the Origin series, which NSW won for the first time in 8 years.
Andrew had become increasing upset with his circumstances on and off the field and in August, he was involved in a road rage incident where he threw a non-egg shaped object at a car travelling behind him. Both cars pulled over and when the second driver realised how big Andrew is in person, he refused to get out of his Subaru. Andrew then punched and kicked the panels of his car in a fashion similar to the bonus stage in Street Fighter II, before driving off.
With Cronulla getting the wooden spoon and Andrew facing several injuries and a slump in form, he suffered serious depression. This part of his life has no humour in it so I’m just gonna say if you feel like you may have a problem, speak to your GP, talk to a mate or check out some great online resources. There’s help available and you aren’t alone.
2015 rolls around and a string of good performances earn Andrew a re-call into the NSW side for the first game of the state of origin series, however he was not selected for game 2 or 3 because his club team-mate and occasional babysitter Paul Gallen returned to the side after injury.
Andrew had seemingly got his life back together by mid-2015 with his return to rep footy and Cronulla on track to make the finals, however Andrew and controversy are as synonymous as Brisbane and Friday Night Footy; Newcastle and the wooden spoon; Melbourne and Yachts; Souths and tooth; Julian O’Neill and Schlossy’s shoe…you get the point.
In early August Andrew went to Penrith to watch his brother run the water for St Patrick’s Blacktown. David was constantly boasting that he could carry 3 water bottles at once and could also spray water into a players mouth from 5 meters away while on the run. Andrew decided to see this for himself and film it for David’s new YouTube channel. During the match David became incensed and swore at the referee (a 24 year old riot policeman) because he did not stop the game for an injured player.
The referee (seeing a potential A Current Affair interview situation and associated payout unfolding) took out his phone and started filming David’s potty mouth tirade. Andrew then became involved and reportedly told the referee to ‘Stop filming and delete it or I’ll smash you up’ and had to be held back from the referee by Gwen Hilderbrandt, a 68 year old grandmother.
Andrew denied this version of events and attempted to clear his name in an exclusive interview with Danny Weidler on his short lived chat show ‘Danny on the mic’:
‘I never told that ref to delete the footage. I thought it was hilarious. David was goin’ off his head and I thought the ref’s footage would make a great end to episode 6 of David’s Youtube. You know the bit at the end where they tell you to click subscribe and that and all the things like flash up? I was gonna put it in there. I never said ‘Stop filming and delete it or I’ll smash you up’. I actually said ‘Don’t stop filming or delete it and I’ll cash you up’. I wanted to give the bloke like $20 bucks for a copy.’
Unfortunately the NRL did not see it that way and both David and Andrew were fined $30,000 and each suspended for 6 weeks. The brothers were also suspended for a year from the Penrith District Rugby League, which had no effect on Andrew, however this impacted severely on David’s ability to get content for his YouTube channel, which closed down soon after.
Andrew returned from his suspension off the bench for Cronulla’s elimination final victory over Souths, however they bowed out of contention the following week in a nail-biting 39-0 loss to the eventual premiers North Queensland.
2016 began and the Sharks, buoyed by several key signings, saw themselves as serious contenders for the 2016 premiership. Andrew was selected for NSW, playing all 3 games off the bench.
During Game III Andrew was sinbinned for choking Gavin Cooper just before half-time after Cooper threw the ball at NSW 5/8 Matt Moylan. This action was again viewed unfavourably by the general public, however Andrew at the very least ultimately proved one commentator wrong:
‘This clown will cost Cronulla its shot at the premiership, as for his efforts in the origin match I think the video says it all.’ Terry, Daily Telegraph comments section July 15, 2016.
Ahh Terry. How wrong you were.
Also during the series Andrew renewed his rivalry with Qld player Joshua McGuire. McGuire was jealous of Andrew’s ‘rats-tail’ haircut and tried to steal it for himself, in an audacious attempt to complete his transformation into an actual rat.
Despite his best efforts, McGuire was not able to scalp Andrew. After the game Andrew said that while it didn’t physically hurt him ‘I am hurt and upset that McGuire wanted to ruin all the good work of the poor orphans’ (To clarify, Andrew auctioned off the occasion for people to plait his hair for him. That auction was won by the Sydney Orphan Centre, narrowly outbidding an R. Crowe of Bowraville for the once in a lifetime opportunity. The auction raised $57 for the Tim Simona House Charities).
Andrew’s 2016 season culminated with a chance to play in his first grand final with the Sharks against Melbourne. Andrew lead from the front and scored the winning try for the Sharks in the 14-12 victory, giving the Sharks their first ever Mad Monday in October.
Controversially, Andrew was overlooked for the Clive Churchill Medal, with Luke Lewis receiving the award. It was later discovered that several high-profile gamblers did not heed Joel Caine’s warnings and Sportsbet was required to flex its muscle to ensure Andrew did not win, due to the large bets it had taken on the rampaging prop. The conspiracy is real people!
During the offseason of 2016, Andrew was fined $20,000 for writing the letters ‘FKL’ on his wrist tape during games that year. It was suggested that it stood for ‘Free Kieran Loveridge’; a friend of Andrew’s in prison for a one-punch attack. Andrew tried to clarify the issue with Paul Vautin on the ‘Fun Fatty Friday Footy’ podcast: ‘Yeah Kieran’s a mate and I visited him in prison. But that was because he put me down as his next of kin and I had to tell him it wasn’t appropriate. I kept getting calls from the prison guards about things he put in his butt and I did want to deal with that. But FKL actually had nothing to do with him. It stands for Fifi Knows League. My brother made it up. Good hey. Because I know league, Fatty. Front and back. And when I need to dig deep I just look at it and it reminds me. Also reminds Chad Townsend too. That’s why he always passes me the ball’.
In the most recent 2017 season, Andrew played 23 games for the Sharks, and started at prop for NSW in all 3 games of the state of origin series. In Game 1 of the series Andrew was judged man of the match in a performance that judges believe showed he was the best player on the field during that particular match.
Due to Andrew’s domination in game 1, he was heavily targeted in games 2 and 3. After a loss in game 2, Andrew’s cheeky nemesis and still transitioning rat Joshua McGuire sledged Andrew. It was later reported that McGuire cruelly told Andrew to ‘go have a whinge you little girl NSW cry-baby girl’. Andrew took it personally and footage from Game 3 saw Andrew with ‘I Hate JM’ and ‘JM loves Billy 4 eva’ written on his strapping tape, in a brutal get-square with the Qld lock.
At the conclusion of the 2017 NRL season Andrew was selected in the Australian side for the upcoming World Cup. 24 hours later he declared that he was going to shun the country that raised, nurtured and supported him through all the difficult times and actually provided him with the opportunity to play rugby league in a productive environment, in favour of representing Tonga again. Andrew explained his decision to Steve Mascord steavis, writing for Man-hunk magazine. ‘I actually made a pact with good friend Jack Bird. We were both gonna play for Tonga. Unfortunately Birdy was advised that he wasn’t eligible as he had absolutely no Tongan ancestry whatsoever. So we both rung up Fiji League but weren’t eligible for them either because of the same reasons. Apparently you need like an uncle or step-dad or something from that country to be able to play for ‘em. So I rung Tonga again on the home phone and let ‘em know I was playing but Birdy wasn’t allowed. They were disappointed but they said he can run the water or something. He’s a bit weird old Birdy to be honest. Club wise he’s Brisbane’s problem now which is good. ’
When Andrew retires he will be known as an awkward, powerful and potentially gamebreaking prop. He has a terrible play-the-ball style (known colloquially as ‘doin a fifi’), a commanding tackle-break, large capital letters tattooed on his legs and a knack for scoring tries. He loves an offload and once famously said he wanted to perform 40 offloads in a game. With games only being 80 minutes long and a current career high of 7 in a game this seems extremely unlikely, but anything is possible for the mighty Andrew Fifita. Well, except that.

As we all get fired up for an all Queensland shoot out down south this weekend I thought I'd prepare a small guide for all the tourists from the sunshine state.
Travel:
The three major airlines (QANTAS, Virgin, and Jetstar) offer a maximum of 7kgs carry on. This equates to roughly 4 medium sized pineapples, a kilo of bananas, and 15 Jonathan Thurston bobble-heads.
Otherwise if you are checking in luggage QANTAS and Virgin offer 23kg This would allow for 10 medium sized pineapples, 3 kilos of bananas, 20 Jonathan Thurston bobble-heads, and a case of XXXX Gold.
The flight is one hour long, so before you board remember to purchase your copy of The Courier Mail, you don't want to be reading the fascist propaganda they call The Daily Telegraph.
Transport:
A train from the airport to the city won't come cheap, as none of you are Opal Card holders it'll cost about $18. I suggest taking an Uber, it does require a smart phone so if your from anywhere past Rockhampton I guess its the train for you.
As far as getting to the game the train is your best bet, free transit with your NRL Grand Final ticket. If you find yourself in Parramatta having a beer with Hindy you've gone too far.
Sights and Sounds:
If your down on the Saturday may as well make a day of it.
Avoid Surry Hills, lots of young people with strange haircuts drinking coffee with milk in it, you'll get lost and confused, you'll be wishing you were back in the sugar cane.
If you've brought the kids I suggest Darling Habour, you snap a few pics of the Opera House and The Habour Bridge, then chuck the kids on the ferry to Luna Park and you can hit the tables at The Star.
If you find yourself in a Pub order a Tooheys as to not raise suspicion, it tasted a bit like XXXX just without the taste of piss water.
Enjoy the weekend Queenslanders, and remember GO THE BRONCOS.

Round 24 of the d20 Premiership starts now. Cronulla and NZ guaranteed finals appearances but finishing position is key; nobody's out of finals contention - it's an important round to win!
Round 25 will be played Wednesday... lunchtime. Round 26 can be either Friday lunch or night - what would youse prefer eh?
SCHEDULE FOR FINALS:
QUALIFYING FINALS: played two per day, simultaneously; MONDAY NIGHT 21st AND WEDNESDAY LUNCHTIME 23rd. These will be 4 rolls per side per game.
After that, SEMI FINALS will be played SUNDAY 27th LUNCHTIME and TUESDAY 29th EVENING - I'll make sure most rollers are available for the times we set when we know who's playing etc. - probably discussed in thread on the 23rd. These games and all thereafter are 8 rolls per side per game.
PRELIM FINALS and then the GRAND FINAL Between 3 Jan and 9 Jan again decided with consultation - making sure as many people can be involved that want to. Again the final dates determined when we know who's playing.
FEEDBACK IN THREAD!!!!!!! Be good to compress it but really it's impossible for me from 24-26 Dec and from 30 Dec-3 Jan. Alternative ideas much appreciated.
I'll summon rollers from each team for the finals so make sure you let me know over the next few weeks that you're keen by adding your username to the summon thread.
All of this is of course assuming I don't rage quit after Round 26 when the fucking tigers come 9th.
Premiership Ladder - at end of Round 23

	Team	W	D	L	B	Diff	Pts	Next Games
1	Cronulla Sutherland	15	0	7	2	84	34	HA
2	New Zealand	14	0	8	2	111	32	HA
3	Gold Coast	13	0	9	2	75	30	AH
4	Parramatta	12	1	9	2	61	29	AH
5	Manly Warringah	12	0	10	2	73	28	AH
6	North Queensland	12	0	10	2	-3	28	AH
7	Brisbane	11	0	11	2	13	26	AH
8	South Sydney	11	0	11	2	-29	26	HA
9	Melbourne	11	0	11	2	-66	26	AH
10	Easts	10	0	12	2	43	24	HA
11	Wests Tigers	10	0	12	2	11	24	HA
12	St George Illawarra	9	1	12	2	-8	23	AH
13	Penrith	9	0	13	2	-58	22	AH
14	Canterbury Bankstown	9	0	13	2	-75	22	HA
15	Newcastle	9	0	13	2	-95	22	HA
16	Canberra	8	0	14	2	-137	20	HA

TO ROLL FOR YOUR TEAM - COME ON, ROLL!!

Write the following in one line in a comment. You must be the first for your team to roll, you must be wearing team flair (unless you've lost a bet etc and have discussed it beforehand) and you must correctly roll.
HOME SIDE: Write
[[1d20*2+1d3*2 Home Team]] + rollme
Where "Home Team" is the name of the side you're rolling for.
AWAY SIDE: Write
[[1d20*2 Away Team]] + rollme
Where "Away Team" is the name of the side you're rolling for.
Simples!
NB invalid rolls and rollme bot errors will be rerolled
.

Man of the Match - The Race for the Dicey M Medal

At the conclusion of each match we'll roll for the Man of the Match. A d14 will be rolled and a player chosen based on this thread listing /NRL's opinions on the best 17 for each club in 2016.
simoalley is running a tally on the MOMs and the player with the most MOM awards at the end of the season wins the Dicey M Medal.

DICEY M MEDAL LEADERBOARD:

4 A Blair (Bro) 4 M Koroibete (Mel)
3 R Farah (WT) 3 E Lowe (Cow) 3 J Maloney (Cro)
followed by a fleet of players on 2, including
2 S Feki (Cro) 2 J Morris (Bul) 2 J Roberts (Tit)
. . . Fixtures Round 24
Newcastle 32 v Brisbane 26 Penrith 22 v South Sydney 40 Manly Warringah 30 v New Zealand 16 Melbourne 30 v Cronulla Sutherland 22 North Queensland 4 v Canterbury Bankstown 32 Canberra 8 v St George 16 Parramatta 46 v Wests Tigers 20 Easts 24 v Gold Coast 20

G'day folks and welcome to the last NRL based punters club of the year! What a ride it's been so far this year and as for the future that'll be up for discussion next week.
The only certainty in the first all-Queensland Telstra Premiership Grand Final is that at the end of 80 minutes two great warriors who happen to be close friends will find each other out and share an exhausted embrace.
For Justin Hodges or Johnathan Thurston it will be a moment of sheer elation and the realisation of a truly unique achievement; the other will be left in tears barely able to lift his head.
The 'not guilty' verdict delivered by the judiciary on Tuesday night affords Hodges to at least lead the Brisbane Broncos out for one more time in his 251st and final match with the possibility of ending his career in a manner few are privileged to experience.
For Thurston, his burning desire to deliver North Queensland a maiden premiership that formed part of the reason he stayed at the Cowboys would elevate his standing in the game to a level few in history have ever reached.
One of many other intriguing sub-plots surrounds the two coaches: the master and his former apprentice.
Paul Green worked as a halves coach under Wayne Bennett at the Broncos from 2005-2008 before he was promoted to an assistant coach in 2009 under Ivan Henjak. He took Wynnum Manly to back-to-back Intrust Super Cup titles before joining the Roosters, where he coached the under-20s team to a Preliminary Final and served as an assistant in the NRL team's premiership.
And then there's Wayne.
After six years south of the border Bennett's return to Brisbane could barely have been scripted more perfectly with the master coach shaping a competitive team in 2014 into one with an almost unbreakable resolve.
Since Round 5 the Broncos have been permanently situated in the top three on the NRL table and are now 80 minutes from delivering the club's seventh premiership and an eighth for Bennett.
Sentiment has been running almost exclusively the way of the Cowboys but with big brother Brisbane standing in their way will it ultimately prove to be a fractured fairytale?
Watch Out Broncos: Not only is the left side of the Cowboys attack their most effective weapon it is also their most secure, having scored 45 tries and conceded just 19 over the course of 2015. The addition of Lachlan Coote at fullback and Johnathan Thurston's combination with Gavin Cooper allows the Cowboys to throw good attacking shapes at the opposition defence with options short, long or out the back. Antonio Winterstein's 16 tries is the best single-season haul of his career, Kane Linnett has scored 10 tries for just the third time while Cooper's two tries against the Storm took his tally to 11 for the year. Of the 68 tries the Broncos have conceded this season 22 have come down the right edge of Matt Gillett, Ben Hunt, Justin Hodges and Jordan Kahu and they'll need to be on song on Sunday.
Watch Out Cowboys: Momentum is everything in a grand final and scoreboard pressure mounts earlier than normal which is why the Cowboys can ill afford to give the team that misses the least number of tackles any kind of a head-start. In the opening 10 minutes of their games this season the Broncos have scored 11 tries and conceded just two but the figures read vastly different on the North Queensland side of the ledger. The Cowboys have conceded 14 tries in the opening 10-minute period of their games this season, the worst period of the game for them defensively. Besides their 39-0 win over the Sharks in Week Two of the finals the Cowboys have conceded the first try in every one of their games since Round 21; a dangerous habit to be in heading into the premiership decider.
Key Match-up: Ben Hunt v Johnathan Thurston.
As the two favourites for the Clive Churchill Medal it is clear these are the two men with the fortunes of their respective teams resting squarely on their shoulders. Following a breakout season in 2014 Hunt has formed a halves combination with Anthony Milford the envy of almost every other team in the competition but the numbers show why Thurston remains the master for now. Where Hunt excels in taking the line on himself (10 line breaks and 12 tries) Thurston is the master puppeteer, orchestrating 33 line-break assists and 33 try assists compared to Hunt's tally of 15 and 16 respectively. No two players have kicked the ball more in general play in 2015 than Hunt (354) and Thurston (296) and it could be that area of their game which is most telling under the greatest pressure.
History: Played 42; Brisbane 29, Cowboys 11, Drawn 2.
Having lost the previous three finals encounters against the Cowboys the Broncos scored one for the southerners when they won the Qualifying Final at Suncorp Stadium 16-12 in Week One of the finals series. The home side has been victorious on each of the three occasions they have met in 2015 which counts for exactly zero when they meet on neutral territory for the first time on Sunday. Of the four finals the Broncos have played at ANZ Stadium they have won three and lost one while the Cowboys' finals record at ANZ sits at two wins and three losses.
Did You Know: Broncos forward Sam Thaiday stated early in the week that the Cowboys bring the best out in Brisbane and the numbers show that is the case for both teams. When compared to their season average the Broncos perform better against the Cowboys in completion rate, dummy-half runs, line breaks, penalties conceded, errors, kick metres, offloads and effective tackles. For North Queensland, their numbers improve against the Broncos when it comes to completion rate, errors, penalties conceded, kick metres and effective tackles. Two of the best teams of the season at their best on grand final day is a mouth-watering prospect for all footy fans.
What Are The Odds: Broncos $1.88, Cowboys $1.96. There has been twice as much money wagered on the Broncos in comparison to the Cowboys as far as head-to-head betting at Sportsbet is concerned. Brisbane by 13+ is the most popular option in margin betting while Ben Hunt is the best backed player in the first try-scorer market ahead of Broncos teammate Corey Oates. Latest odds at Sportsbet.com.au
Match Officials: Referee: Gerard Sutton; Assistant Referee: Ben Cummins; Touch Judges: Brett Suttor and Steve Carrall; Video Referees: Bernard Sutton and Luke Patten.
Televised: Grand Final Day coverage starts on Channel Nine from 10am and in HD on Gem.
How We See It: There will come a time late in the game when a moment changes the course of history. Every indicator suggests this is not a game that will be decided with a few furlongs left to run but one in which the winner won't be clear until the shadows of the finishing post. A final masterstroke from JT; a slice of Milford magic; a try-saving act of desperation from Parker; an inspiring charge from Scott that gets his team moving forward as his teammates struggle to find their feet. It will come down to a moment and when that moment comes it will join a pantheon of grand final heroics frozen in time for eternity. Broncos by four points.

Hello all.
A few weeks ago we (the mods) received a request for a bestof thread for /NRL à la /bestof2012. You can see the request thread here.
We have decided on the following categories.

• The Darius Boyd award for best comment.
• The Justin Hodges award for best sledge.
• The Golden Sterlo award for best prediction.
• The Phil Rothfield award for worst prediction or bet
• The David Middleton award for best homemade content (Includes graphs, GIFs and photos)
• The Moghseen Jadwat award for best mod
• The boots and all award for best thread

This thread is a nomination and voting thread, so dig through the last 12 months worth of posts to find your favourites and please remember to upvote your favourites.
We will declare the results after the grand final, just in case anyone made any particularly good comments regarding the GF.

Important rules

• Please make sure to link back to the original post so that we can see the context of the comment.
• Please make sure to reply under the correct category to make it easier for other users to sort.

Also, with contest mode enabled, you'll need to expand each post in order to nominate and vote.

Hello everyone and welcome to the Man of the Hour: Grand Final Spectacular. I am Brodire2012. So unless you haven't been following this sub (or don't watch the sport news/Nine at all), you would know that this weekend is the Grand Finals for the AFL and the NRL. Of course, we are here to talk about the better of the two sports... the NRL Grand Final. This year we have the nearly unstoppable minor premiers, the Melbourne Storm taking on the JT-less underdogs, The North Queensland Cowboys. Today, we have a big post. I will start by giving some history on the grand final itself and then we will have an indept look at both teams. Of course that's not the only game we have on tomorrow. In the final Holden Cup match we will ever have, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles hosting the Parramatta Eels and for State dominance we have the Penrith Panther's team from the NSW Cup taking on the PNG Hunters from the QLD Cup... Well, I guess that makes sense. I was going to look at those other two games but I ran out of time. So with that being said, let go over some history first.
 
If you remember seeing the 1908 grand final live as a kid. You're a fucking liar because you would be over 110 years old, unless you found immorality than in which case... well done. For the rest of us non-immortal souls, we can look at the history books... or in my case, Wikipedia. 1908 on the 29^th of August at the Royal Agricultural Society Showground. The two remaining foundation teams, the Rabbitohs and the Roosters (back then Eastern Suburbs) were the first combatants. It was a close game, no thanks to the Rabbitohs 5/8th and goal kicker Arthur Conlin when suddently from a scrum, Rabbitohs Lock Harry Butler scored to give them the win. The final score was 14-12 in front of a crowd of... about 4,000. And here we thought the Roosters have bad crowds now, it's always been a problem. 109 years later and 96 grand finals later (12 years were either forfeited or had no final) we are here. Since 1908, the Rabbitohs has recieved 21 titles, the most in the history of the competition. The St. George Dragons are up there with 15 titles, the Roosters with 13, Balmain Tigers with 11 and the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs and Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are leveled with 8 titles. In terms of runners up, the Roosters takes the pole position with 15 GF losses, the St. George Dragons and Rabbitohs are tied with 13, Manly are next with 11, Bulldogs with 10 and Balmain have 9. When the competition changed to the Australian Rugby League (ARL), we had three different winners, (Bulldogs, Manly and the Newcastle Knights) taking the trophy, meanwhile Manly also had 2 GF losses with the St. George Dragons having 1 loss. The Super League War than happen with the Brisbane Broncos winning the only GF over the Cronulla Sharks. Finally in the NRL era of the game, the Broncos have the most titles with 3 wins, the Storm have 2 wins (4 wins but two were taken away due to salary cap issues), the Roosters and Manly also have 2 wins and everyone else (The Bulldogs, Penrith Panthers, Knights, West Tigers, St. George Illawarra Dragons, Rabbitohs, North Queensland Cowboys and the Sharks) have 1 win.
 
In terms of locations. The grand final happened all over Sydney mostly. We started with the Royal Agricultural Society Showground in the first few matches. The SCG hosted a few in the earlier years, the Sydney Sports Ground hosted a few as well. Starting from the 1952 GF to the 1988 GF, it was exclusively hosted at the SCG. From 1988 to 1999, the GF was changed to Sydney Football Stadium (Allianz Stadium) except for the Super League GF between the Broncos and the Sharks, that was played at QEII Stadium in Brisbane. Then from the start of the new millennium to now, it's been played at ANZ Stadium. With ANZ getting some renovations in a few years, the final will once again have a new home. Starting from the 1986 Grand Final, the Clive Churchill medal has been awarded to the best player on the ground. Clive was one of the original legends of the game playing for Souths at Fullback. Played for a NSW representative team and a Queensland team, coach Souths with a 64% win rate and was named Fullback in the NRL's Team of the Century and is part of the ARL Hall of Fame. There has been some legendary players to win this award like the first winner, Peter Sterling, Alfie Langer, Darren Lockyer, Andrew Johns and Cliff Lyons.
 
Ok, I think that's enough history. I think now we can look at the teams... But before we do, I need to do some house keeping. During the week, I sent out a survey about the Grand Final. We had a total of 104 people do the Survey Monkey one (this was before I realised you can only have 100 viewable answers with a free account so 4 people's answers aren't counted). And I also had three people message me privately because the survey wasn't working for them/I shut down the survey. I just want to point out the fact that I could only see 100 answers so all the totals will be 103. I asked for the reddit username just because i was curious and thank god no-one had an issue with this. (Tho, I did get a funny answer saying 'Anon, this isn't the marriage survey'), others skipped that question which was fine. So we start with Question 2. "Who are you going for in the 2017 NRL Grand Final and Why?" From the first 100, we have 98 answers. (Thanks u/ohhh_j and other person). From the 101 answers, the Storm recieved 26 votes or 25.74% of all the votes with the Cowboys getting 75 votes or 74.26% of all the votes. I wasn't too surprised by this due to the fact that fellow user u/N3GNK doing his own survey asking "Which team do you hate the most?" With the conclusion of that survey having the Storm on top and the Cowboys being 3^rd last. There was a total of 60 comments on the survey page. A lot of them were people saying "That's my team." A lot saying "Fuck the Storm." People were making comments saying it would be good for Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk to finish with a win, others saying they want them to go. Quote a lot of comments pointing out the underdog nature of the Cowboys which i'll talk about later. u/ttdlxgreg saying he was going for the Storm because "Have them in a sweet 5 leg multi." which was the most unique answer so well done and I hope you go well with the multi. So I guess as far as NRL is concerned, the North Queensland Cowboys take the points.
 
NQL +1
I'll explain the points in a moment.
 
With this chance, I decided to ask about the other two games as well. Question 3 asked, "Who are you going for in the 2017 NYC Grand Final and Why?" With the options being Manly and Parramatta. It was sad to see that out of the 100 people who did the main survey, 7 people skipped the question. From a combined total of 96 answers, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles got 21 votes or 21.88% of all the votes. Parramatta got 75 votes or 78.12% of the votes. Again, this wasn't a surprise. People hate Manly with a burning passion, not as much as the Storm but it's still up there. This time we only have 49 comments... and most of them just say 'Fuck Manly." u/Yew420 said "So I can say the Eels won a premiership." Which isn't wrong at all. u/Funztimes voted for Manly because "Two teams winning from 8^th would be awesome." Which is also a fair statement to have. Finally we have u/Cheesepenis who voted for Manly becauuse "I am Jason Taumalolo." Can't argue with that.
 
Finally, we have Question 4 that asked "Who are you going for in the 2017 Interstate Clash and Why?" The two options were the NSW Cup Penrith Panthers team and the QLD Cup PNG Hunters team. To my surprise we actually had a 100% of answers on the survey which was nice to see. From 103 total votes, the Penrith Panthers got 17 votes or 16.5% of all the votes and the PNG Hunters getting 86 votes or 83.5% of the total votes. The odd thing is, the votes for the Hunters were not because of hatred for the other team, the votes are for the Hunters. Lemme explain. From the 42 comments on the survey, a lot of votes are saying because it's the 'QLD' team in the game but more are voting for them because it would be a good story for the PNG community. And I 100% agree. PNG is the only country that has Rugby League as its national sport and for them to win this match would be fantastic for them. Not really any joke comments in this one (expect for Jason 'Cheesepenis' Taumalolo) which was nice to see. Thank again for everyone to participated in the survey.
 
Okay, so I better explain the point system from two paragraphs ago. This will help to determine who 'Man of the Hour' pick is for the Grand Final. There will many chances for both the Storm and the Cowboys to get points. I will keep a tally and there will not a draw (hopefully). So the Cowboys get the first points. The next set of points will be based on the tipping of different media sources and the team that gets tipped the most gets a point. Starting with NRL.com, they have 18 tippers and 4 of them has tipped the Cowboys with 14 tipping the Storm. So the Storm get a point.
 
MEL: 1|NQL: 1
 
Theroar.com has an article by Scott Pryde where he goes over key players. He comes to the conclusion that the Storm will win so chalk another point for the Storm.
 
MEL: 2|NQL: 1
 
Fox Sports... doesn't have any tips as far so no points for anyone. Same with Big League, they usually have tips but I don't have this years copy so again, no points. NRL HQ on the Syndey Morning Herald website does have tipping and while at this point in time not everyone has tipped, 7/10 has tipped Storm so I think its safe to say they get the point.
 
MEL: 3|NQL: 1
 
Looking at the betting sites. Sportsbet, Ubet and Crownbet each have the Storm as the favourites so that's another point for the Storm.
 
MEL: 4|NQL: 1
 
So currently the Storm have a 4-1 lead. But that can change and I have something special for the GF post. We will have our first guest writer in the series (first guest to send content for this series at least, i'm not including the survey or the updates to other posts or the quotes on the Steve Menzies post). We are going to go over some instresting facts and stats coming into this match. Now unfortunately I don't have the budget to get David Middleton to do stats for a shitty little web article on reddit. And while I would have gone to NRL's own stat man, I decided to go with someone who recently popped his head out in the community. So, thanks to u/SpoontangWild for your work and do you thing.
 
Thanks to Brodire2012 for the heads up on this. As always, doing these stats is a fun thing for me to do for /nrl and the fact he saw this and wanted my input to compliment his awesome work was validation in knowing what I do is appreciated. So cheers for the request and it's been fun my dudes.
 
We still start off with some stats about the Grand Final itself. This is the first Grand Final between the Melbourne Storm and the North Queensland Cowboys. This is the second GF in three years and the third GF overall to not feature a NSW team but this will be first time there will not be a single NSW rep player in either teams, the closest will be Jordan McLean who was 19^th man for NSW in Game 1. Including 18^th man, 11 QLD players will be in the Grand Final. 7 from the Storm (Will Chambers, Cooper Cronk, Cameron Smith (c), Billy Slater, Tim Glasby, Cameron Munster [18^th man in Game 2, started Game 3] and Felise Kaufusi was 18^th man in Game 3) and 4 from the Cowboys (Justin O'Neill, Michael Morgan, Gavin Cooper and Coen Hess). This will also be the first time the minior premiers will take on the 8^th place team in a Grand Final. The last time a 8^th place team made the Grand Final was in 2009 with the Parramatta Eels and they had to take on aMelbourne Storm team as well, (except this time the Storm are legal). The Storm are looking to win their fifth NRL title overall and their third legitmate title. This will also be their first Grand Final since the 2012 GF against the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs. The Cowboys are looking to win their second Grand Final overall and their second in three years. Of course that Final was against the Brisbane Broncos in 2015 (This is Brodire stepping in, Idk what Spoon is talking about, there wasn't a Grand Final in 2015 but whatever). A suprising fact, the Cowboys will be considered the away team for a third time in a grand final. The Cowboys will have a little advantage as they have two former Melbourne Storm GF players in their team, Justin O'Niell who is in the centres and played with the Storm in the 2012 GF and Ben Hampton on the bench who was with the Storm last year. If the Cowboys do win, they will be the first team to win from 8^th and the first team to win from outside the top 4 in the NRL era. The lowest ranked winner in recent memory was the Bulldogs in 1995 when they came from 6^th. They will also be the first team since the Roosters in 2002 to play and win all four games during a finals series.
 
Let's move to facts about the teams. The last two meetings in a finals series were both played at AMMI Park. The Cowboys won the 2015 Preliminary Final 32-12 to make the grand final that year and then the following year, the Storm striked back with a 16-10 win in the 2016 Qualifying Final. The Storm's record at ANZ Stadium in finals games is currently at 5 Wins, 0 Draws and 4 Losses. Their last win was in that 2012 GF. The Cowboys currently sit at 4 wins and 3 losses with their last win being against the Eels two weeks ago. This will possible be the final time that the big three (Billy, Cooper and Cameron) will play together with Cooper having one eye on retirement and the other eye on Tara, Billy might follow suit and retire after this season as well. Cameron will still be playing next year and possible years after.
 
Time for points. Overall, the Storm and the Cowboy have played 35 matches against each other with the Storm winning 25 game to the Cowboys 10. But in finals games, there has been three games with the Cowboys winning 2 games to the Storms 1. The first match was in 2005 with the Cowboys winning 24-16. The Storm has won both of the clashes this year against the Cowboys. The first one was in the Origin affected match in Round 15 when they won 23-22 in Melbourne thanks to a Brodie Croft Field Goal and then again in Round 22 when the Storm won 26-8 in Townsville. On top of that, it has been since that 2015 Preliminary Final game that the Cowboys last beat the Storm. Cooper Cronk is the most experienced player on the ground... in terms of grand finals with him playing in 6 other Storm Grand Finals since 2006. Also under the new NRL Final System (from 2012 to now) (And yes, there is no creative name, it's just called NRL Finals System). All winners have come from the top 4. Hell, since the start of the NRL era, no winners have come from the bottom half of the top 8. Finally looking at GF experience. The Storm have more total games experience with 27 GF games compared to the 14 from the Cowboys but the Cowboys have more players with experience with 13 players compared to the Storms 12 players.
 
To the actual game, it's the best team over 26 rounds versus the best team currently. My mind says Storm but my heart says Cowboys so hopefully for you Cowboys fans, it's a repeat of 2015. But I'm seeing the trophy head south so Melbourne by 10 with Cam Smith getting the Clive Churchill.
 
Thanks Spoon, it was a pleasure working with you. Let's count those points. The Storm will get points for winning more games than the Cowboys, winning both games this year, being inside the top 4 and having more GF experience. But the Cowboys get points for more GF players and more finals wins against the Storm. This makes the score...
 
MEL: 8|NQL: 3
 
We will now go into a bit of an indepth look at the two teams. Now, here's a disclamier. I'm not a genius. I don't have stats on every single player with every single thing they did this season. This is as much in dept that I can do and I want to do. With that said, let's start.
 

	VS

First, we will compare every player in their position in three stats. 1 point per team for every win so there are 17 points up for grabs. What stats are they? If you guys remember earlier in the week, I had two surveys, one was the one I talked about earlier, the other one was asking what were the most important stats in every position. I got six responses and I picked the top picks/one's I could find. We are going this by comparing postition and number. Aka Fullback on Fullback, Winger with 2 on the back vs Winger with 2 on the back, like that. In terms of the bench players, I tried my best to compare similar players in terms of positions. So for reference, i'm comparing Slade Griffen and Ben Hampton as Hookers, Kenny Bromwich and Corey Jensen as Locks, Tim Glasby and Coen Hess as Second Rowers and Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Shaun Fensom as Props. Another point to note. Another note, games and grad finals do not include tomorrows game and finally, the stats will be averages for this season to make it fair to compare, expect for the Tie Breaker, that will be done in full numbers.
 

	VS
1	Fullback	1
William ‘Billy’ Slater	Name	Lachlan Coote
34	Age	27
Innisfail Brothers	Junior Club	Windsor Wolves
298	Total Games	155
4	Total Grand Finals	1
0.8	Linebreaks	0.3
29.9	Kick Return Metres	31.6
0.8	Try Assists	0.4
2	Score	1
2	Wing 1	2
Suliasi Vunivalu	Name	Kyle Feldt
21	Age	25
Saint Kentigern College (RU)	Junior Club	Norths Thuringowa Devils
45	Total Games	72
1	Total Grand Finals	1
0.9	Tries	0.6
0.8	Linebreaks	0.5
132.4	Metres	124
3	Score	0
3	Centre 1	3
William Chambers	Name	Justin O'Neill
29	Age	26
St. Joseph's College	Junior Club	Hughenden Hawks
165	Total Games	137
3	Total Grand Finals	2
0.3	Tries	0.1
127	Metres	90.5
0.3	Try Assists	0.1
3	Score	0
4	Centre 2	4
Curtis Scott	Name	Kane Linnett
19	Age	28
Cronulla-Caringbah JRLFC	Junior Club	Port Kembla Blacks
14	Total Games	174
0	Total Grand Finals	1
0.4	Tries	0.2
121.6	Metres	125.7
0.3	Try Assists	0.1
2	Score	1
5	Wing 2	5
Joshua 'Josh' Addo-Carr	Name	Antonio Winterstein
22	Age	29
Le Perouse Panthers	Junior Club	Logan Brothers
35	Total Games	197
0	Total Grand Finals	1
0.8	Tries	0.2
1	Linebreaks	0.3
137.7	Metres	107.7
3	Score	0
6	5/8th	6
Cameron Munster	Name	Te Maire Martin
23	Age	21
North Knights	Junior Club	Turangawaewae
65	Total Games	25
1	Total Grand Finals	0
0.7	Try Assists	0.1
50	Kicking Metres	40.6
1	Linebreak Assists	0.2
3	Score	0
7	Halfback	7
Cooper Cronk	Name	Michael Morgan
33	Age	25
St. Laurence's College (RU)	Junior Club	Townsville Brothers
322	Total Games	127
6	Total Grand Finals	1
0.7	Try Assists	0.8
267.9	Kicking Metres	253.7
0.9	Linebreak Assists	0.5
2	Score	1
8	Prop 1	8
Jesse Bromwich	Name	Atalani "John" Asiata
28	Age	24
Manurewa Marlins	Junior Club	Wentworthville Magpies
175	Total Games	77
2	Total Grand Finals	1
50.2	Minutes	43.4
23.4	Tackles	18.4
9.83	Metres/Hit Up	8.16
3	Score	0
9	Hooker	9
Cameron Smith (C)	Name	Jake Granville
34	Age	28
Logan Brothers	Junior Club	Rockhampton Brothers
357	Total Games	79
5	Total Grand Finals	1
38.6	Tackles	31.4
6.1	Dummy Half Runs	3.6
0.9	Linebreak Assists	0.2
3	Score	0
10	Prop 2	10
Jordan McLean	Name	Scott Bolton
26	Age	30
Young Cherrypickers	Junior Club	Innisfall Brothers
83	Total Games	205
1	Total Grand Finals	1
40.9	Minutes	53.4
22.1	Tackles	31.4
10.47	Metres/Hit Up	9.28
1	Score	2
11	Second Row 1	11
Felise Kafusi	Name	Gavin Cooper (C)
25	Age	32
Bundaberg Brothers	Junior Club	Murgon Mustangs
61	Total Games	259
0	Total Grand Finals	1
33.1	Tackles	30.3
77.4	Minutes	77.5
8.68	Metres/Hit Up	8.69
1	Score	2
12	Second Row 2	12
Tohu Harris	Name	Ethan Lowe
25	Age	26
Tamatea (RU)	Junior Club	Goondiwindi Boars
115	Total Games	92
1	Total Grand Finals	1
29.6	Tackles	29.6
69.9	Minutes	70.3
8.92	Metres/Hit Up	9.41
0	Score	2
13	Lock	13
Dale Fiucane	Name	Vaai 'Jason' Taumalolo
26	Age	24
Bega Roosters	Junior Club	Papakura Sea Eagles
138	Total Games	138
3	Total Grand Finals	1
33.2	Tackles	27.9
8.38	Metres/Hit Ups	11
0.4	Errors	0.4
-	Bonus Round	-
8	Offloads	30
1	Score	2
17	Bench:Utility	14
Slade Griffin	Name	Ben Hampton
26	Age	25
Cobden-Kohinoor Keas	Junior Club	Temora Dragons
24	Total Games	62
0	Total Grand Finals	1
18.9	Tackles	14.6
1.6	Dummy Half Runs	1.7
0.1	Linebreak Assists	0.1
-	Tie Breaker	-
1	Try Assists	2
1	Score	2
16	Bench: Prop	17
Nelson Asofa-Solomona	Name	Shaun Fensom
21	Age	28
Upper Hutt Rugby Football Club (RU)	Junior Club	Bellingen Dorrigo Magpies
51	Total Games	159
0	Total Grand Finals	0
33.1	Minutes	39
18.2	Tackles	24.9
9.79	Metres/Hit Up	9.58
1	Score	2
15	Bench: Second Row	15
Tim Glasby	Name	Coen Hess
28	Age	21
Norths Knights	Junior Club	Across The Waves Tigers
85	Total Games	35
1	Total Grand Finals	0
24.4	Tackles	23.4
41.1	Minutes	55.9
9.19	Metres/Hit Ups	9.74
1	Score	2
14	Bench: Lock	16
Kenneth Bromwich	Name	Corey Jensen
26	Age	23
Manurewa Marlins	Junior Club	Bowen Seagulls
91	Total Games	16
1	Total Grand Finals	0
24	Tackles	14
8.41	Metres/Hit Up	9.45
0.2	Errors	0.0
1	Score	2
-	Total Score	-
9	-	8

 
(Behind the scenes look, Holy shit did that take forever to do)
 
Before anyone claims I rigged the votes, I didn't. I just went off what you guys want. With the scores now updated. We have
 
MEL: 17|NQL: 11
 
Let's look at other stats going into this game. The Storm are currently on a 9 game winning steak and the Cowboys are on a 3 game streak. MEL + 1. The Cowboys are currently working with the Queenland Trademarked 'Underdog Status'. NQL +1. The Storm has won 4 grand finals from 7 attempts which is a win rate of 57.50% and the Cowboys have won 1 from 2 attempts making their rate 50%. But two of the Storms wins were taken away because of Salary Cap issue so their rate goes down to 28.57%. NQL +1. Finally, the weather in Sydney seems to be cooler today. Which is the opposite of how it's been in Brisbane for the past week. That will suit the Storm better. MEL +1.
 
So, the final score here is the Melbourne Storm with 19 Points and the North Queensland Cowboys with 11 Points. This will mean that the 'Man of the Hour' Grand Final Tip will be the Melbourne Storm by 6 points. Thank you so much for joining me today guys. This has been planned for a long time and I'm so glad to have this done. Enjoy the Grand Final guys.
 
 
 
 
 
Okay, i'm not done yet. I have some people I need to thank. Thank you again to u/SpoontangWild for his contribution for this post, that was amazing and I'm glad you were able to find all those facts, I wouldn't have be able to do that myself. Thank you to u/UnluckyNumberS7evin for researching and sending me the information on all the Storm players, that was helpful and save a lot of time. Thanks to two of our fantastic mods, u/FourteenOEight and u/reznorhurt for helping with some behind the scene help and clarifying some rules for me. And finally thank you all for reading my silly posts. I starting this a little ago and the constant feedback and encouragement from the fellow redditors has been amazing. Thank you to those who help with either survey and those who PMed me because it wasn't working.
 
Now, I enjoy this subreddit and I enjoy reading others work and this grand final has shown some incredible posts so I'm just going to link to a few for those who want more readings.
 
u/AudioSky have a post about the Cowboys and the players they used which is a good read. (Fun fact, originally I was going to do that as well but as I was doing the begining of this post, this guy posted this which was a fantastic job. I ended up giving up because it was taking too long but i'll thought I would link to his any way.) Hit and Miss Cowboys 2017
 
Of course, NRL's very own stat man u/Tunza did a excellent 3 Part post series on the referees which was a great read. Referee Analysis Part 1, Referee Analysis Part 2, Referee Analysis Part 3
 
u/BJL6 does Youtube montages and he made an amazing montage for the NRL Grand Final. BJL6 GF Montage
 
u/CheeseLife1 and u/Dark_Vengence had similar but different ideas as they set up discussions talking about players with the least NRL games and Most NRL games played for a title. CheeseLife1's Youngest NRL Grand Finalists Discussion and Dark_Vengence's Oldest NRL Grand Finalist Disucssion
 
Finally, this one is not a reddit user submittion but while resourcing this yesterday, I found this post on theroar.com that was massive post that I think people should see. http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/09/30/melbourne-storm-vs-north-queensland-cowboys-the-ultra-definitive-nrl-grand-final-stats-preview-part-1-form-history-and-how-the-referees-will-influence-the-game/
 
As for this series. Next week will be the end of this season of 'Man of the Hour'. But, I will be back next season from the start for season 2. Next week won't be a player but it's just something I want to do. Okay, no I will go. Thank you all for reading and Go the Parramatta Eels U20s, PNG Hunters and the Melbourne Storm.
 
Sources: Just saying, the only things not in the sources are the betting sites because Reddit won't allow that, the suvey links because I don't want to give out who people tipped and finally all the wikipedia links because there were so many.
 
Wikipedia (sorry, not sorry)
 
Big League: Volume 96, Issue 30 (2015 Grand Final Issue)
 
Brodire2012's Survey: Grand Final Picking
 
http://redditpoll.com/poll/which-team-do-you-hate-most
 
http://www.nrl.com/PlayNRLTipping/tabid/11678/contentid/38/Default.aspx
 
http://www.theroar.com.au/2017/09/30/melbourne-storm-vs-north-queensland-cowboys-nrl-grand-final-preview-and-prediction/
 
http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/tipping
 
Edit: Stupid spelling mistakes.

Period: 1897.79 days

	Submissions	Comments
Total	1000	95114
Rate (per day)	0.53	50.09
Unique Redditors	405	4569
Combined Score	107889	734947

Top Submitters' Top Submissions

1. 10690 points, 42 submissions: NRLgamethread
   
   1. State of Origin 2016 - Game 1 | Match Discussion Thread (1253 points, 5285 comments)
   2. NRL Grand Final - Broncos v Cowboys | Discussion Thread (1132 points, 5231 comments)
   3. 2016 Grand Final - Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks | Match Discussion Thread (1080 points, 4896 comments)
   4. 2017 State of Origin - Game 1 | Game Thread (897 points, 5458 comments)
   5. State of Origin - Game 2 | Discussion Thread (769 points, 5301 comments)
   6. State of Origin - Game 3 | Discussion Thread (735 points, 4597 comments)
   7. 2017 State of Origin - Game 2 | Game Thread (506 points, 5816 comments)
   8. State of Origin - Game 1 | Discussion Thread (324 points, 3748 comments)
   9. State of Origin - Game 2 | Discussion Thread (251 points, 2913 comments)
   10. NRL Grand Final | Post Match Thread (210 points, 1115 comments)
2. 6354 points, 40 submissions: AutoModerator
   
   1. State of Origin - Game 1 | Discussion Thread (1000 points, 4967 comments)
   2. State of Origin - Game 2 | Discussion Thread (921 points, 5456 comments)
   3. Grand Final: Storm vs Cowboys | Discussion Thread (694 points, 4557 comments)
   4. 2017 State of Origin - Game 3 | Game Thread (505 points, 5280 comments)
   5. Round 1 - Eels vs Broncos | Discussion Thread (180 points, 2858 comments)
   6. Semi Final - Cowboys v Broncos | Discussion Thread (151 points, 4056 comments)
   7. State of Origin - Game 1 | Pre-Game Discussion Thread (140 points, 996 comments)
   8. Rep Round - Australia vs New Zealand | Discussion Thread (132 points, 2219 comments)
   9. Round 22 - Jarryd Hayne vs Warriors | Discussion Thread (128 points, 2841 comments)
   10. Round 2 - Broncos vs Warriors | Discussion Thread (126 points, 2416 comments)
3. 3342 points, 29 submissions: ScaredOfGreatness
   
   1. Cronk's kick for Holmes (299 points, 102 comments)
   2. TPJ flick pass for James Roberts try (265 points, 49 comments)
   3. Johnston's foot race with Vunivalu (215 points, 56 comments)
   4. Michael Morgan's match winning field goal (154 points, 66 comments)
   5. Vunivalu's full length try assist for JAC (149 points, 36 comments)
   6. Dugan makes a try saver after Tedesco beats 3 tackles (141 points, 40 comments)
   7. Rabbitohs score on the last tackle after 2 kicks, 3 offloads & 50m (140 points, 24 comments)
   8. Tui Lolohea intcepts Russell Packer's pass to run away for a try (132 points, 21 comments)
   9. Cameron McInnes finishes a Dragons team try (120 points, 11 comments)
   10. Jason Taumalolo finding a gap (120 points, 47 comments)
4. 2640 points, 27 submissions: himynameiskurt
   
   1. Robbie Farah smashing down some tinnies on Leichhardt oval scoreboard (229 points, 93 comments)
   2. Cooper Cronk to leave Storm at the end of the season (167 points, 452 comments)
   3. Brandy getting sledged (149 points, 48 comments)
   4. Vunivalu flying knees into Guerra & Watson (136 points, 87 comments)
   5. Taumololo ran for 209 metres, more than JWH, Liu, Guerra, Napa and Watson combined (135 points, 97 comments)
   6. Trent Merrin surprises fan after the game on Monday night (122 points, 40 comments)
   7. Knights sign R.McDonald - Set to be the biggest signing in Rugby League history (117 points, 44 comments)
   8. Sam Thaiday Twerking (103 points, 21 comments)
   9. Michael Morgan's mongstrong hit on Ennis (102 points, 45 comments)
   10. Josh Dugan Clutch Kick (100 points, 43 comments)
5. 2403 points, 25 submissions: deesmutts88
   
   1. 7 News Melbourne get a lead on a story. (326 points, 124 comments)
   2. I left my stubby cooler in the sun for so long that it switched sides. (165 points, 38 comments)
   3. Wayne Bennett has smiled. #BreakTheInternet (139 points, 29 comments)
   4. Facebook user alleging that Fox Sports used old footage to fake larger crowds at the game. (131 points, 90 comments)
   5. There has been a fatal Shark attack. (121 points, 29 comments)
   6. Gallen defends Smith against "grub journalism". (116 points, 39 comments)
   7. All the boys celebrating a good try. (110 points, 17 comments)
   8. Where has the Origin hype gone? (95 points, 216 comments)
   9. The Cronulla Sharks open the 2016 bantz season. (90 points, 23 comments)
   10. TAB with the bantz. (88 points, 11 comments)
6. 1629 points, 19 submissions: shorrrno
   
   1. Thurston Breaks Neck In 32 Places At Training, Availability In Question For Game II (171 points, 36 comments)
   2. Vu-ni-va-lu? (113 points, 20 comments)
   3. Shaun Johnson wishes he had footwork like Cam Smith (112 points, 45 comments)
   4. Andrew McCullough Ankle Tap TRY Saver (97 points, 45 comments)
   5. Ladder Progression by team: 2015 so far (93 points, 58 comments)
   6. Amazing Broncos Try - Lachlan Maranta vs. Raiders (90 points, 35 comments)
   7. Freddy serenading Jack Bird during ad break (90 points, 28 comments)
   8. Edrick Lee bombed try vs Wests Tigers (ISP) (83 points, 58 comments)
   9. The Daily Telegraph isn't used to NSW winning (81 points, 5 comments)
   10. Alex McKinnon finally out of hospital! (77 points, 2 comments)
7. 1530 points, 16 submissions: mulimulix
   
   1. Another year, another senseless act of violence towards innocent chairs. (136 points, 45 comments)
   2. Something not considered or talked about in the controversial no-try in golden point - Eden was out when he touched the ball at the same time as Thurston (131 points, 179 comments)
   3. Jarryd Hayne with a big punt return! (130 points, 113 comments)
   4. THE MANLY-WARRINGAH SEA EAGLES HAVE BEEN OFFICIALLY ELIMINATED FROM FINALS CONTENTION (128 points, 67 comments)
   5. Warriors score the most ridiculous try way after the half-time siren. (104 points, 19 comments)
   6. Jennings' diving try so seal the Grand Final win. (102 points, 26 comments)
   7. WARRIORS SCORE OFF A SCRUM AGAINST THE FEED (96 points, 25 comments)
   8. Massive props to the Roosters fan that came up with this sign. (93 points, 9 comments)
   9. Nathan Brown blatantly stamps Titans player on the ground; no penalty (93 points, 103 comments)
   10. Ennis' acting performance. (87 points, 29 comments)
8. 1422 points, 17 submissions: DreadlockedAussie
   
   1. Man Of Middle Eastern Appearance Holds Crowd Hostage At Place Of Worship In Sydney’s West (124 points, 16 comments)
   2. NRL Referees To Begin Allowing 7th Tackle Tries As Cowboys Approach Finals (124 points, 28 comments)
   3. Walters Claims Every Single QLD Player Might Not Recover From Injury In Time For Origin (101 points, 18 comments)
   4. Townsville Cop Sacked Without Pay For Bringing The Cowboys Into Disrepute (97 points, 27 comments)
   5. Jarryd Hayne to sign lucrative sponsor deal with Brazzers (95 points, 13 comments)
   6. Streaker Invades Rabbitohs-Roosters Clash, Takes Eight Security To Stop Him, Dragons Show Interest In Attempt To Boost Attack (91 points, 27 comments)
   7. Facebook To Trial ‘No Jarryd Hayne News’ Feature Ahead Of NFL Season (88 points, 13 comments)
   8. Baz Luhrmann Hired To Direct Gus Gould's 2017 Pre-Origin Pep Talk (79 points, 51 comments)
   9. Brisbane Man Gives Son Same Haircut As Wally Lewis For ‘Book Week’ Costume (78 points, 22 comments)
   10. Newcastle Retirement Village vs Baby Horsey Discussion Thread (73 points, 1278 comments)
9. 1305 points, 11 submissions: Aussieguy727
   
   1. Beau Ryan being a legend (181 points, 89 comments)
   2. Laurie Daley sacked (178 points, 136 comments)
   3. [OFFICIAL] Cronk Signs with the Roosters (162 points, 352 comments)
   4. 'I'm coming home': Marshall signs deal to return to Tigers (151 points, 101 comments)
   5. Class act by Paul Gallen (121 points, 78 comments)
   6. WIGHTON NOT GUILTY (112 points, 161 comments)
   7. Haka v Sipi Tau - Streamable (99 points, 16 comments)
   8. Wests Tigers announce Ivan Cleary as Head Coach (78 points, 129 comments)
   9. RTS out for season. ACL (77 points, 172 comments)
   10. This really hurts (74 points, 42 comments)
10. 1193 points, 14 submissions: orru
    
    1. The Canadian women's team have the best logo in rugby league by far (118 points, 26 comments)
    2. Horseception (106 points, 18 comments)
    3. Sydney Hit By Massive Dust Storm As Parramatta Eels Return Home To Open Trophy Cabinet (xpost australia) (105 points, 29 comments)
    4. Bus in Honolulu, USA (101 points, 27 comments)
    5. World Cup opener averages 1.4m viewers nationally, more than 3x the Bledisloe Cup (96 points, 105 comments)
    6. History happens as all clubs exceed 10,000 members (89 points, 26 comments)
    7. Channel 9 blasted for ‘bias’ and ‘disgraceful’ NRL commentary (88 points, 113 comments)
    8. Just popped up one my fb feed (77 points, 14 comments)
    9. Andrew Voss calls for tri-series between Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand (75 points, 48 comments)
    10. Johnathan Thurston to lead NRL support for Adam Goodes by performing Aboriginal war dance (75 points, 196 comments)
11. 1168 points, 13 submissions: Tokenofhon
    
    1. The Great Hayne Bridge: Bringing NRL & NFL Together (189 points, 64 comments)
    2. Penrith Panthers unveil new logo (119 points, 50 comments)
    3. /NRL Alternate Team Mascots: Manly Cunts (92 points, 35 comments)
    4. THAT cheerleader from the penrith v parra game (91 points, 34 comments)
    5. BREAKING: Sam Burgess DENIES having pie and Strongbow for lunch (87 points, 38 comments)
    6. Ch7 in talks with NFL to televise Hayne's NFL games (82 points, 70 comments)
    7. SCANDALEAGUE: Issue #1 (81 points, 26 comments)
    8. NRL Spoonbowl 2015 : Promo video (80 points, 70 comments)
    9. Souths vs Canterbury GF Movie Poster (76 points, 19 comments)
    10. Designed a commemorative Spoonbowl 2014 desktop BG (1920x1080px) (74 points, 18 comments)
12. 1137 points, 9 submissions: Trying-2-Contribute
    
    1. An Average week in the NRL (245 points, 225 comments)
    2. For those of your who care: Here's the program for the boys this pre season. Had a few guys ask about what kind of training occurs. (161 points, 91 comments)
    3. As Promised. If Melbourne win... I am in this picture. Catch ya guys! (151 points, 112 comments)
    4. Well it's been unreal... (146 points, 151 comments)
    5. If Melbourne win tonight I'll reveal who I am. (121 points, 53 comments)
    6. Found my Debut jersey. For years I thought a "friend" had stolen it but it popped up in a mag while cleaning. For the sake of my privacy I won't be releasing who I am. (93 points, 238 comments)
    7. As promised here is the weights program. For all you asking about why we do certain things your asking the wrong bloke. I was president of fat club (81 points, 66 comments)
    8. Rugby league making an appearance on "its always sunny in Philadelphia." (75 points, 31 comments)
    9. Anyone planning on making a funnier sign than this one this season? (64 points, 42 comments)
13. 948 points, 9 submissions: ReggieBasil
    
    1. Gambling advertising to be banned between kickoff and final siren in NRL games under new Scott Morrison backed proposals (163 points, 123 comments)
    2. Tui Lolohea tries out for the 49ers with a stunning pass (112 points, 35 comments)
    3. TBT: JT in training (108 points, 33 comments)
    4. The classic, the legend. The one, the only. Enchanted. Glossy. Flamingo. (107 points, 36 comments)
    5. Still the highlight of the season so far (102 points, 39 comments)
    6. Some number plate banter from north of the border. (xpost /Australia, credit to DivineCorn (92 points, 23 comments)
    7. Barba released from Sharks contract. (91 points, 221 comments)
    8. A fun creative activity for all the family (89 points, 26 comments)
    9. 1MB free space (84 points, 19 comments)
14. 910 points, 9 submissions: staind1603
    
    1. Oi what's that? (170 points, 21 comments)
    2. Big Willie Confirmed... (126 points, 53 comments)
    3. Poor Woodsy.. (109 points, 38 comments)
    4. U WOT M8?? lol jk cyas... (101 points, 19 comments)
    5. Thurston (94 points, 32 comments)
    6. Dat flick tho.. (91 points, 16 comments)
    7. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! (77 points, 35 comments)
    8. Someone wasn't happy with the Cowboys upset (orange shirt) (74 points, 23 comments)
    9. Tallis blindsides Fletcher (68 points, 21 comments)
15. 864 points, 4 submissions: Vinsanity9
    
    1. But he doesnt miss this one! Golden POINT! (422 points, 59 comments)
    2. JT JUST misses the winner! (204 points, 27 comments)
    3. THAT last try at the horn (163 points, 51 comments)
    4. One of the best try celebrations (75 points, 10 comments)
16. 798 points, 9 submissions: StorminRed
    
    1. Parramatta Eels salary cap decision mega-thread (146 points, 1502 comments)
    2. The Big Hits of /NFL on the NRL (102 points, 35 comments)
    3. Why you should never let the ball bounce (x-post from /superleague - full credit to sloppyfeashes) (99 points, 58 comments)
    4. How high/low can your team finish in 2016? (93 points, 65 comments)
    5. A deeper look at "the loss they needed to have" since 1998 (76 points, 41 comments)
    6. Hayne Planes, get your Hayne Planes here. (73 points, 63 comments)
    7. How high/low can they go? (Round 17) (73 points, 50 comments)
    8. How high/low can your team finish? Round 18 (71 points, 54 comments)
    9. The Big Hits from NRL (Rd 1) (65 points, 56 comments)
17. 770 points, 8 submissions: Goobeeful
    
    1. Thrilling final minutes of Tonga vs England (182 points, 98 comments)
    2. Tonga vs England sold out, set to be biggest crowd (30,000) at Mt. Smart Stadium in 22 years (112 points, 30 comments)
    3. Valentine Holmes becomes the first player in history to score 6 Tries in a World Cup match (90 points, 47 comments)
    4. Tedesco Apologises For Telling Wakeman That His Mum’s Cooking Is No Good (87 points, 20 comments)
    5. Nathan Milone fantastic try vs Fiji Bati (83 points, 8 comments)
    6. First look at Kalyn Ponga in Knights gear (76 points, 57 comments)
    7. Oates get knocked out (75 points, 76 comments)
    8. Ben Hunt punts the ball into Wallace's face (65 points, 21 comments)
18. 769 points, 6 submissions: the_psycho
    
    1. NSW BLUES UPVOTE PARTY!!! (289 points, 243 comments)
    2. 50 Years... And the Cronulla Sharks have won their first ever premiership! 14-12 winners over Melbourne Storm. (157 points, 38 comments)
    3. Nathan Hindmarsh walking down Caxton Ave today. (122 points, 21 comments)
    4. Dat feel when no more hoodoo... (71 points, 12 comments)
    5. Shots fired! (66 points, 17 comments)
    6. This is the 2014 Cronulla Sharks 1st grade team poster - marked with all the players unavailable to play on Monday. (64 points, 39 comments)
19. 762 points, 10 submissions: nightss
    
    1. Daly Cherry-Evans has signed a three-year deal with the Gold Coast Titans (88 points, 115 comments)
    2. Rabbitohs captain Greg Inglis has entered a mental health rehabilitation facility (86 points, 73 comments)
    3. Rabbitohs inside outside set play (85 points, 39 comments)
    4. Eels sign Michael Jennings (78 points, 105 comments)
    5. Brent Tate announces retirement (77 points, 52 comments)
    6. Alex McKinnon diagnosed as quadriplegic ): (75 points, 80 comments)
    7. Bears reportedly set to buy the Titans and rebrand to the Gold Coast Bears (73 points, 183 comments)
    8. Kieran Foran to walk away from Parramatta Eels contract (68 points, 198 comments)
    9. Neville Longbottom is one of us (68 points, 23 comments)
    10. Ray Warren set to retire from television commentary after 50th year calling rugby league (64 points, 73 comments)
20. 712 points, 7 submissions: gabsta84
    
    1. I'm not paying your outlandish stadium prices! (X-post from gifs) (143 points, 18 comments)
    2. Entire Roosters team under investigation by the NRL Integrity Unit following the release of this image. (129 points, 95 comments)
    3. Why the NRL subreddit is the true heart and soul of footy [The Roar] (113 points, 276 comments)
    4. Depression (98 points, 60 comments)
    5. Hayne quits NFL, signs with Roosters for remainder of 2016. (79 points, 77 comments)
    6. Parra Supporter Doesn't Take The News Of Hayne's Departure Very Well... (77 points, 18 comments)
    7. Michael Ennis To Retire At End of 2016 Season (73 points, 100 comments)
21. 665 points, 7 submissions: adomental
    
    1. /NRL's 2016 Guide to choosing a team to follow (158 points, 157 comments)
    2. I wrote an email to the Rooster complaining about their recent signings and Roosters CEO John Lee called me back (136 points, 91 comments)
    3. The 2015 /NRL guide to picking a team to follow (87 points, 41 comments)
    4. [NRL Christmas Crackers] What's the difference between the NRL premiership and the Hottest 100? (75 points, 15 comments)
    5. [Stats] A brief analysis of the last five year's odds, or why the bookies always win (75 points, 68 comments)
    6. Three years ago today: The Battle of Brookvale (69 points, 54 comments)
    7. Ben Te'o does something every Rugby League fan has dreamed of. Calls Danny Weidler a grub and says "no one likes you." (65 points, 34 comments)
22. 643 points, 6 submissions: AssViol8er
    
    1. So I saw Sam Thaiday in the city today.. (155 points, 42 comments)
    2. Pretty much all Souths fan right now (133 points, 35 comments)
    3. Daily Telegraph respecting the poodles privacy and identity (126 points, 22 comments)
    4. Quality from the back pages of the Courier Mail today. (84 points, 20 comments)
    5. Grieving Brett Kimmorley Talks About Death Of His Wife On League Life (77 points, 30 comments)
    6. TIL Dylan Napa runs a Facebook page dedicated to people who "eat KFC solo" (68 points, 62 comments)
23. 636 points, 3 submissions: HarveySpectersHair
    
    1. Nathan Friend just doin stuff. (333 points, 49 comments)
    2. NRL is leaking. Full Credit. (167 points, 14 comments)
    3. Just Tariq Things (136 points, 12 comments)
24. 580 points, 5 submissions: sheepshagger1994
    
    1. Manchester United's twitter responds to Manu Vatuvei (221 points, 57 comments)
    2. Players with more points/tries than the Dragons in 2016 (112 points, 104 comments)
    3. It Looks Like Radio NZ Have Never Heard Of The Warriors (91 points, 8 comments)
    4. Sheepshagger1994 presents: A Vodafone Warriors Match Day Experience (87 points, 25 comments)
    5. So my mum just got a call from Bodene Thompson... (69 points, 59 comments)
25. 579 points, 7 submissions: comradepartypanda
    
    1. Some Wests fans have made the trip up to Newcastle to celebrate Robbie Farahs 250th game (102 points, 64 comments)
    2. Its Official - Issac luke will join the @NZWarriors in 2016 on 3 year deal (92 points, 128 comments)
    3. The differences between ISC Player and Fan jerseys. (89 points, 84 comments)
    4. Thurston Match Winning Play (83 points, 64 comments)
    5. For the very first time, all 16 Clubs will be wearing an #NRLIndigenous jersey during Round 10 this weekend! (79 points, 53 comments)
    6. Just bought a piece of history: the Souths Nameplate from the old Jubilee Oval Scoreboard! (73 points, 32 comments)
    7. Lote Tuqiri bringing the thunder on Instagram (61 points, 24 comments)

Top Commenters

1. Tony_AbbottPBUH (14037 points, 1636 comments)
2. deesmutts88 (13521 points, 948 comments)
3. adomental (10958 points, 1151 comments)
4. DreadlockedAussie (9373 points, 1144 comments)
5. honestjackhonestly (8131 points, 801 comments)
6. theplanetofthecrepes (6799 points, 541 comments)
7. FourteenOEight (6057 points, 775 comments)
8. a_BIG_willie (5621 points, 616 comments)
9. kami_inu (5351 points, 804 comments)
10. ChanceVance (5213 points, 601 comments)
11. reznorhurt (5168 points, 555 comments)
12. Geddpeart (5101 points, 554 comments)
13. TurboooTurtle (5097 points, 610 comments)
14. mathewl832 (4893 points, 571 comments)
15. comix_corp (4786 points, 542 comments)
16. thril_hou (4535 points, 449 comments)
17. ReggieBasil (4483 points, 461 comments)
18. Fishocopter (4293 points, 505 comments)
19. jared0h (4055 points, 938 comments)
20. DeffsNotACop (4032 points, 415 comments)
21. CockroachClitoris (3931 points, 343 comments)
22. Keith_Sheldon (3806 points, 394 comments)
23. for_death_and_ruin (3724 points, 490 comments)
24. insty1 (3721 points, 248 comments)
25. the_psycho (3695 points, 385 comments)

Top Submissions

1. State of Origin 2016 - Game 1 | Match Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (1253 points, 5285 comments)
2. NRL Grand Final - Broncos v Cowboys | Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (1132 points, 5231 comments)
3. 2016 Grand Final - Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks | Match Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (1080 points, 4896 comments)
4. State of Origin - Game 1 | Discussion Thread by AutoModerator (1000 points, 4967 comments)
5. State of Origin - Game 2 | Discussion Thread by AutoModerator (921 points, 5456 comments)
6. 2017 State of Origin - Game 1 | Game Thread by NRLgamethread (897 points, 5458 comments)
7. State of Origin - Game 2 | Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (769 points, 5301 comments)
8. State of Origin - Game 3 | Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (735 points, 4597 comments)
9. Grand Final: Storm vs Cowboys | Discussion Thread by AutoModerator (694 points, 4557 comments)
10. 2017 State of Origin - Game 2 | Game Thread by NRLgamethread (506 points, 5816 comments)

Top Comments

1. 299 points: truflebuta's comment in 2017 Origin Series - Post Game Thread
2. 260 points: nick16961's comment in State of Origin 2016 - Game 1 | Post Match Thread
3. 256 points: deleted's comment in Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall arrested for drug possession at Sydney nightclub
4. 246 points: StreamHero69's comment in Unhappy Future of Streams
5. 218 points: ornateplacebo's comment in 2017 State of Origin Game 1 - Post match Thread
6. 212 points: Butthole__Pleasures's comment in NRL Grand Final | Post Match Thread
7. 207 points: EastAfrica1's comment in Unhappy Future of Streams
8. 205 points: shinobiJP's comment in 2017 State of Origin II - Post Game Thread
9. 197 points: F1GT6's comment in NRL Grand Final | Post Match Thread
10. 193 points: comradepartypanda's comment in 2017 Origin Series - Post Game Thread

Generated with BBoe's Subreddit Stats (Donate)

NRL Match Centre - Preview
Match Details
Start time: 8:05pm
Weather: Fine
Surface: Good
Referees: Ben Cummins, Chris James
Touch Judges: Paul Holland, Jeff Younis
Video Ref: Bernard Sutton
Last meeting: Grand Final 2012
Storm 14 def Bulldogs 4 at ANZ Stadium
The History:
Played 30; Storm 15, Bulldogs 15. The Bulldogs have one of the best head-to-head records against Melbourne; however they have just the three wins over the Storm since 2007. Of more concern is the fact Canterbury have managed only one win in Melbourne over the past decade (back to 2005).
NRL Tipping
Betting Odds to win
Storm $1.23 Bulldogs $4.25

Period: 363.18 days

	Submissions	Comments
Total	1000	87141
Rate (per day)	2.75	239.31
Unique Redditors	365	3168
Combined Score	64485	611652

Top Submitters' Top Submissions

1. 4052 points, 46 submissions: ScaredOfGreatness
   
   1. Cronk's kick for Holmes (294 points, 102 comments)
   2. TPJ flick pass for James Roberts try (263 points, 49 comments)
   3. Johnston's foot race with Vunivalu (217 points, 56 comments)
   4. Michael Morgan's match winning field goal (154 points, 66 comments)
   5. Vunivalu's full length try assist for JAC (150 points, 36 comments)
   6. Dugan makes a try saver after Tedesco beats 3 tackles (144 points, 41 comments)
   7. Rabbitohs score on the last tackle after 2 kicks, 3 offloads & 50m (140 points, 24 comments)
   8. Jason Taumalolo finding a gap (124 points, 47 comments)
   9. Cameron McInnes finishes a Dragons team try (123 points, 11 comments)
   10. Ruan Sims picks up & dumps Karina Brown (108 points, 34 comments)
2. 3936 points, 23 submissions: NRLgamethread
   
   1. 2016 Grand Final - Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks | Match Discussion Thread (1081 points, 4897 comments)
   2. 2017 State of Origin - Game 1 | Game Thread (905 points, 5458 comments)
   3. 2017 State of Origin - Game 2 | Game Thread (513 points, 5818 comments)
   4. 2016 Grand Final | Post Match Discussion Thread (192 points, 910 comments)
   5. 2017 Origin Series - Post Game Thread (149 points, 1854 comments)
   6. AFL Grand Final Thread - Bulldogs vs Souths (147 points, 731 comments)
   7. 2017 State of Origin Game 1 - Post match Thread (137 points, 964 comments)
   8. 2017 State of Origin II - Post Game Thread (128 points, 1711 comments)
   9. 2017 Auckland Nines Day 1 - Discussion Thread (72 points, 4007 comments)
   10. State of Origin - Game 2 | Pre-Game Discussion Thread (59 points, 644 comments)
3. 2818 points, 52 submissions: Aussieguy727
   
   1. Beau Ryan being a legend (181 points, 89 comments)
   2. Laurie Daley sacked (177 points, 137 comments)
   3. 'I'm coming home': Marshall signs deal to return to Tigers (155 points, 102 comments)
   4. Class act by Paul Gallen (119 points, 78 comments)
   5. Wests Tigers announce Ivan Cleary as Head Coach (83 points, 129 comments)
   6. This really hurts (76 points, 42 comments)
   7. Kenny Edwards likes to train like its game day (72 points, 8 comments)
   8. Parra fan at WWE Raw (63 points, 71 comments)
   9. Luke Lewis re-signs for 1 more year (62 points, 39 comments)
   10. Josh Reynolds tells team mates he's off to the Tigers (60 points, 143 comments)
4. 2673 points, 44 submissions: AutoModerator
   
   1. 2017 State of Origin - Game 3 | Game Thread (506 points, 5293 comments)
   2. State of Origin - Game 1 | Pre-Game Discussion Thread (139 points, 996 comments)
   3. 2016 Grand Final Pre-Game Mega-thread (123 points, 385 comments)
   4. Preliminary Final: Storm vs Broncos | Discussion Thread (82 points, 2882 comments)
   5. Test Match - Australia vs New Zealand | Discussion Thread (78 points, 2196 comments)
   6. Round 2: Broncos vs Cowboys | Discussion Thread (74 points, 2819 comments)
   7. Preliminary Final: Roosters vs Cowboys | Discussion Thread (71 points, 2299 comments)
   8. Round 25: Broncos vs Eels | Discussion Thread (65 points, 3031 comments)
   9. Elimination Final: Sharks vs Cowboys | Post Match Discussion Thread (64 points, 563 comments)
   10. Preliminary Final: Roosters vs Cowboys | Post Match Thread (60 points, 602 comments)
5. 2562 points, 43 submissions: himynameiskurt
   
   1. Cooper Cronk to leave Storm at the end of the season (168 points, 456 comments)
   2. Taumololo ran for 209 metres, more than JWH, Liu, Guerra, Napa and Watson combined (138 points, 99 comments)
   3. Vunivalu flying knees into Guerra & Watson (132 points, 87 comments)
   4. Knights sign R.McDonald - Set to be the biggest signing in Rugby League history (119 points, 44 comments)
   5. Josh Dugan Clutch Kick (101 points, 43 comments)
   6. Matt Gillett charge down and pass to James Roberts to score the game winning try (88 points, 63 comments)
   7. Knights team song (yes we have one) (79 points, 32 comments)
   8. Lote Tuqiri has changed his name to Lote Land (72 points, 18 comments)
   9. Kiwis' captain Jesse Bromwich, player Kevin Proctor allegedly bought cocaine after Anzac Test, Canberra man charged (71 points, 176 comments)
   10. Matty & Finchy Interview Corey Norman & Clint Gutherson (69 points, 18 comments)
6. 1199 points, 20 submissions: ReggieBasil
   
   1. Gambling advertising to be banned between kickoff and final siren in NRL games under new Scott Morrison backed proposals (162 points, 123 comments)
   2. Tui Lolohea tries out for the 49ers with a stunning pass (113 points, 35 comments)
   3. TBT: JT in training (104 points, 33 comments)
   4. The classic, the legend. The one, the only. Enchanted. Glossy. Flamingo. (103 points, 36 comments)
   5. Barba released from Sharks contract. (90 points, 221 comments)
   6. Alex McKinnon will sue the NRL and Melbourne Storm player Jordan McLean personally, over tackle that left him paralysed (55 points, 291 comments)
   7. TBT: What you get is what you see (1989 NSWRL promo) (55 points, 41 comments)
   8. Rare footage of an incredible finish to a rugby league game, I thought you'd all enjoy (45 points, 11 comments)
   9. LAST MAN STANDING - Vectera is the WINNER of LMS 03!! (43 points, 25 comments)
   10. The Footy Show just won the Best Sport Programme Logie. Lol. (43 points, 78 comments)
7. 1131 points, 14 submissions: deesmutts88
   
   1. 7 News Melbourne get a lead on a story. (325 points, 124 comments)
   2. Facebook user alleging that Fox Sports used old footage to fake larger crowds at the game. (132 points, 90 comments)
   3. There has been a fatal Shark attack. (124 points, 29 comments)
   4. Semi Radradra climbing a tree to get coconuts. (72 points, 17 comments)
   5. Mods are asleep. Post shirtless Jarryds. (69 points, 27 comments)
   6. Americans don't get it. (66 points, 23 comments)
   7. The NRL is baiting fans on Twitter (53 points, 32 comments)
   8. Matt Geyer was thrilled for Luke Lewis. (50 points, 14 comments)
   9. A trip down memory lane, starring Todd Carney. (46 points, 82 comments)
   10. PSA - The first game today is on at 4pm. (46 points, 23 comments)
8. 1065 points, 15 submissions: shorrrno
   
   1. Thurston Breaks Neck In 32 Places At Training, Availability In Question For Game II (173 points, 36 comments)
   2. Vu-ni-va-lu? (107 points, 20 comments)
   3. Andrew McCullough Ankle Tap TRY Saver (102 points, 45 comments)
   4. Freddy serenading Jack Bird during ad break (89 points, 28 comments)
   5. Edrick Lee bombed try vs Wests Tigers (ISP) (82 points, 58 comments)
   6. What's going on with Mitchell Moses socks? (63 points, 29 comments)
   7. 'I was going to fake an injury': NRL referee Matt Cecchin opens up about mental health (61 points, 33 comments)
   8. Coen Hess Nails Mitchell Moses (54 points, 68 comments)
   9. PNG Hunters have qualified for their first ISC Grand Final (54 points, 9 comments)
   10. McCullough re-signs with Broncos for 4 years (53 points, 124 comments)
9. 933 points, 19 submissions: comradepartypanda
   
   1. Some Wests fans have made the trip up to Newcastle to celebrate Robbie Farahs 250th game (107 points, 64 comments)
   2. For the very first time, all 16 Clubs will be wearing an #NRLIndigenous jersey during Round 10 this weekend! (79 points, 53 comments)
   3. Just bought a piece of history: the Souths Nameplate from the old Jubilee Oval Scoreboard! (72 points, 32 comments)
   4. Broncos ROBBED Of A TRY (57 points, 84 comments)
   5. Rabbitohs And Michael Maguire Agree To Part Company (52 points, 91 comments)
   6. Sharks superstar Ben Barba in cocaine crisis just days after 2016 NRL Premiership win (50 points, 121 comments)
   7. The story of Balmain player Robert Lulham and one of the greatest scandals to ever happen in rugby league (49 points, 19 comments)
   8. Purchase of the week: a 1950 NSW 1STS jersey and boots! (48 points, 22 comments)
   9. #FOXLeague will launch a virtual 10 metre line during games to catch players offside (47 points, 90 comments)
   10. On the 6th day of Christmas Comrade showed to you: a Russian National team jersey from the 1995 Emerging Nations Tournament (44 points, 15 comments)
10. 776 points, 14 submissions: orru
    
    1. The Canadian women's team have the best logo in rugby league by far (117 points, 26 comments)
    2. Channel 9 blasted for ‘bias’ and ‘disgraceful’ NRL commentary (91 points, 113 comments)
    3. We've reached peak Queensland (73 points, 30 comments)
    4. Katter Begins Pre-Match Mind Games By Firing Adler Shotgun Into Shopfronts In Bondi (64 points, 17 comments)
    5. Clusterfuck at Lang Park (62 points, 40 comments)
    6. Big crowd at Melbourne v Warriors at Kawana last night (60 points, 10 comments)
    7. PNG Hunters could help attract biggest Intrust Super Cup grand final crowd at Suncorp Stadium (47 points, 17 comments)
    8. SP PNG Hunters Return to Overwhelming Homecoming (44 points, 19 comments)
    9. Rabs being Rabs (41 points, 20 comments)
    10. Cronk, Thurston call for Perth NRL team (38 points, 47 comments)

Top Commenters

1. Tony_AbbottPBUH (12356 points, 1394 comments)
2. theplanetofthecrepes (11570 points, 1051 comments)
3. deesmutts88 (10987 points, 738 comments)
4. a_BIG_willie (8476 points, 1285 comments)
5. Aussieguy727 (7664 points, 783 comments)
6. adomental (7063 points, 710 comments)
7. insty1 (6460 points, 577 comments)
8. DeffsNotACop (6379 points, 707 comments)
9. thril_hou (6161 points, 627 comments)
10. TurboooTurtle (6136 points, 872 comments)

Top Submissions

1. 2016 Grand Final - Melbourne Storm vs Cronulla Sharks | Match Discussion Thread by NRLgamethread (1081 points, 4897 comments)
2. 2017 State of Origin - Game 1 | Game Thread by NRLgamethread (905 points, 5458 comments)
3. 2017 State of Origin - Game 2 | Game Thread by NRLgamethread (513 points, 5818 comments)
4. 2017 State of Origin - Game 3 | Game Thread by AutoModerator (506 points, 5293 comments)
5. 7 News Melbourne get a lead on a story. by deesmutts88 (325 points, 124 comments)
6. Congratulations, /NRL! You are Subreddit of the Day! by SROTDroid (320 points, 145 comments)
7. Here is my Pa and Nan, aged 17, before his first first-grade game for Manly in 1945. Legend. He passed away yesterday peacefully in Wollongong, RIP Ronald George Rowles. by bonjourmr (307 points, 41 comments)
8. Cronk's kick for Holmes by ScaredOfGreatness (294 points, 102 comments)
9. Jason Taumalolo celebrates a Paul Gallen knock-on by LateRegg (294 points, 69 comments)
10. QLD Police calling it straight. by KSI82 (273 points, 28 comments)

Top Comments

1. 299 points: truflebuta's comment in 2017 Origin Series - Post Game Thread
2. 282 points: Fairtobantz's comment in Alex McKinnon will sue the NRL and Melbourne Storm player Jordan McLean personally, over tackle that left him paralysed
3. 257 points: deleted's comment in Roosters star Shaun Kenny-Dowall arrested for drug possession at Sydney nightclub
4. 246 points: StreamHero69's comment in Unhappy Future of Streams
5. 217 points: ornateplacebo's comment in 2017 State of Origin Game 1 - Post match Thread
6. 209 points: shinobiJP's comment in 2017 State of Origin II - Post Game Thread
7. 206 points: EastAfrica1's comment in Unhappy Future of Streams
8. 195 points: lockforward's comment in Mullen suspended for four years
9. 190 points: comradepartypanda's comment in 2017 Origin Series - Post Game Thread
10. 182 points: Abenator's comment in Brett Morris has retired from representative football

Generated with BBoe's Subreddit Stats (Donate)

Season 1

• E1: Shaun Micallef presents a round-up, branding, inoculation and crutching of all the important news stories of the week in a brand new show that's guaranteed to blow the lid off an entirely different kettle of fish.
  
• E2: Shaun gets more than he bargained for when a car he was buying turns out to be an ocean liner. Meanwhile, Roz and Francis are up to their old necks too when a horse they were impersonating has to be put down.
  
• E3: Part 1. A cursed Tiki causes havoc for Shaun and his family while on a holiday in Hawaii.
  
• E4: A look at Mr D'Arcy's pride, in the face of prejudice. We'll examine Tony Abbott's metaphors, quite literally. The Economy or The Environment - which one's more stuffed? And Racism In Sport - is it an issue for Black Caviar?
  
• E5: Join Shaun and his friends in this word-based quiz show that's guaranteed to last half an hour.
  
• E6: When Shaun is discovered murdered on the set, Phryne is called in to solve the case. SPOILER: The food in the ABC cafeteria is to blame.
  
• E7: The Masterchef judges are in for a surprise when the contestants go insane and burn down the kitchen. Gary and Matt think it's a little overdone but George says it's the best thing he's ever eaten.
  
• E8: Kate and Quentin decide to spice up their marriage with some fantasy role playing but there are red faces all around when they turn up at their rendezvous both dressed as Michelle Grattan.
  
• E9: Adam Hills chats to Mannie the Clown, cricketing legend Andy Caddick and international superstar Ben Vereen.
  
• E10: It's down to the final two. Who will win? The final all-singing, all-dancing bake-off will see Bazza and Martine facing their final challenge to become Australia's first KareokeCook.
  

Season 2

• E1: In a special investigative report Shaun goes undercover as a member of outlaw motorcycle gang The Bandidos. But his cover is blown when he uses the word "allegorical".
  
• E2: When Shaun's racist neighbour Mr. Grealy invites him over to eat some Japanese, Shaun doesn't know how to take it.
  
• E3: When Francis asks Shaun if he can change a word in one of the scripts, Shaun kills him.
  
• E4: A convention for people named 'Peter' goes horribly wrong when Shaun is mistakenly invited. And hydrochloric acid starts streaming from the sprinkler system.
  
• E5: Mongoose. Winter is closing in. It is not safe. Go into hibernation. Further instructions to follow. Cobra.
  
• E6: Yo! Join Kook and the Bambino tomorrow morning at 7am on 103.6 Smash FM for your chance to win playing Puzzling Noise.
  
• E7: Voula, if you are watching this, I am so sorry babe. Please do not let the trust we have built up over the last two weeks go to waste just because I screwed another chick. Call me? Stav.
  
• E8: Winning numbers in Tatts' Everybody Wins Lotto Draw No. 001: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40.
  
• E9: There's a vampire loose in Las Vegas. No one believes or wants to believe it's true. The police can't stop him, people are dying, no one's safe. How do you kill what's already dead?
  
• E10: The government is keen to hush up a series of mysterious deaths at the Merrymount Institute, an underground archival facility. Mad as Hell determines that the victims were ripped apart by a crocodile or other large lizard.
  
• E11: The strange disappearance of an antique motorcycle is the first sign of trouble. A rash of murders follow where each victim is decapitated with superhuman force by what witnesses describe as a headless motorcyclist.
  
• E12: A series of deaths seem to have nothing in common. Probing the murders uncovers a link: each victim was related to a hot-tempered Cajun. However the Cajun has an iron-clad alibi: he's been in a coma for weeks!
  

Season 3

• E1: New government. Same show. Remaining true to its mission of skewering newsmakers and events, this week border security, Sochi and the odd royal commission are all given the trademark 'Mad As Hell' treatment.
  
• E2: Tonight, Mad As Hell's mill boasts an abundance of grist, as Australia's manufacturing decline, unneighbourly conduct, union transparency and Schapelle Corby get a federally mandated unbiased going over. CAST Shaun Micallef
  
• E3: Shaun Micallef and cast return to lambast the bombast, satirise the lies and shake the fakers and newsmakers. Shrimpgate, Medicare, the WA Senate Election and the Manus Island mutiny receive the Mad As Hell scrutiny.
  
• E4: Mad as Hell can't handle the truth but Shaun Micallef and cast do get hopping mad with the flying kangaroo, go insane in the Ukraine and say arrivederci to George Pell while welcoming a new school curriculum.
  
• E5: Like Ukrainian protestors at the hands of a Russian mob, news events get a thorough going over. The perfidy, priggishness and policy to be pilloried include the ABC, Qantas debt guarantee and welcome speeches in WA.
  
• E6: Inexpert analysis of Sth Australian polls, Clive Palmer's tilt at the Apple Isle, the falling of a bum tree and the shenanigans in Libya all get a guernsey (or, for those in NRL states, jersey) from Shaun Micallef and cast.
  
• E7: Larry is up to no good having an affair with Moe's wife, and looking to have another one with Joe's fiancee. Moe catches on and plans revenge, except Larry frames Joe for being the new man in Millie's life.
  
• E8: From the whale depleted oceans to the cosmonaut filled void of outer space, no corner of solar system remains beyond the reach of the satirical eye of 'Shaun Micallef's Mad As Hell'.
  
• E9: Voula, I reckon I'm dead or something. Do you think it's from that pact we made because our love is too much for this world? Where are you? Shouldn't you be here in the White Void too? Stav.
  
• E10: Mad As Hell goes out with a smile and a song. Accentuating the positive, mention of the pension and a big hug for all those we beat about the face and head this series - plus a bottle of wine to our mystery contest winner!
  

Season 4

• E1: Like a poorly thrown satirical boomerang, Shaun Micallef's Mad As Hell returns to hit news squarely on the back of its head. Join Shaun as he lumps together the war, the budget and more besides.
  
• E2: Mad As Hell stares in slack-jawed awe as Tony Abbott and Julie Bishop stride the UN stage like twin colossi; Clooney and Cambodia get a mention, but we don't mention the war (if indeed it is a war). CAST: Shaun Micallef
  
• E3: This week Mad as Hell gets the green light to be bemused by the burqa imbroglio, go ballistic over the budget and blast your ABC's blatant profligacy. All this could take weeks, months, or 29 minutes. CAST Shaun Micallef.
  
• E4: The gloves are off - and then quickly back on again - as we handle all things Ebola. There's also the matter of Katter, plenty of G20, rubbery employment figures and war - how would you like to pay for that sir?
  
• E5: Mad as Hell shirtfronts sexist girlie men, racist professors, xenophobic singlets and plenty more besides. Blistering satire that's ready to be popped with a needle-sharp lampoon? You bet I are, you bet we am.
  
• E6: A half-fortnightly reaping, threshing and winnowing of current affairs asphodel by the combine harvester that is Shaun Micallef. #madashelltv
  
• E7: Dave, it's me. Sorry I didn't get back to you, been flat out writing this EPG. I guess you want to know about the rocket? Well, good news - Derek Jacobi's on board! Call me.
  
• E8: A half-fortnightly reaping, threshing and winnowing of current affairs asphodel by the combine harvester that is Shaun Micallef. #madashelltv
  
• E9: Roderick prised open the coffin - and gasped. On the underside of the lid were dozens of ragged scratches! He stepped back, horrified. Could it be? Had he really buried his beloved wife... in a second hand coffin?
  
• E10: Final EPcompetition time! For your chance at a great prize from the ABC, just tell us in seven million words or more 'The Best Thing About Being Prolix'. (NOT VALID IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA)
  

Season 5

• E1: Auckland, 1978. A young man with the wind in his hair, also nits, dreams of a better life by winning a dusco duncing competution. CAST: Shaun Micallef
  
• E2: Los Angeles, 2057. The future. A cyber-gigolo accused of post-meditated mind-murder travels back in time to 1958 to try and prevent the invention of the hula hoop. CAST: Shaun Micallef
  
• E3: Oklahoma, 1936. Tom, Ma, Pa, Uncle John and their crippled scientist friend Davros enjoy a hearty meal of dust. "Anyone for seconds?" laughs Tom.
  
• E4: Singapore, 1942, just before the fall of the tiny island state (when it was feeling a bit dizzy). A manticore, a chimera and a basilisk walk into a bar and have a quiet drink - nothing to see here.
  
• E5: Tibet, 1957. The Dalai Lama invites you to go rollerblading. If you accept his invitation, turn to Page 34. If you choose to denounce him as a capitalist roader, turn to Page 132. CAST: Shaun Micallef
  
• E6: A janitor accidentally trapped overnight at New York's Grand Central Station is amazed when the men's public toilets magically come to life (also the urinal cakes, hand dryers, toilet rolls etc.)
  
• E7: Kyoto, 1999. One the eve of National Udon Day, a love octagon develops between a flatulent geisha, a sumo wrestler, a yakuza flautist, a deaf samurai, a pedantic ninja and three other Japanese stereotypes.
  
• E8: You might think you know all about sugar, but how much do you really know about sugar? Tonight, everything you need to know about sugar - and some things you perhaps didn't need to know! About sugar.
  
• E9: Drawing on old Super 8 footage, videotape, still photos, eyewitness accounts and police records, a former marine is able to piece together the final moments before his colonoscopy'
  
• E10: Terry's not like you or me. You see, Terry hears voices in his head. Angry voices. Voices that tell him to kill. (Twist: Terry works in telemarketing and the voices are customers in his headphones.)