2009 NRL Grand Final

2009 (2009) NRL Grand Final  ()
2009 Grand Final logo
12 Total
MEL 1013 23
PAR 016 16
DateSunday 4 October 2009
StadiumANZ Stadium
LocationSydney, NSW, Australia
Clive Churchill MedallistBilly Slater (MEL)
National anthemAustraliaMark Vincent
RefereeTony Archer
Shayne Hayne
Paul Holland (Touch Judge)
David Abood (Touch Judge)
Attendance82,538
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
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The 2009 NRL Grand Final was the conclusive and premiership-deciding game of the NRL's 2009 Telstra Premiership season. Played on 4 October 2009 at Sydney's ANZ Stadium was contested between the Parramatta Eels and the Melbourne Storm, the latter competing in their 4th grand final in a row. That was later stripped from them for breaking the salary cap rule.[1] It was also the first Grand Final to feature the two referee system, with Shayne Hayne and Tony Archer being the first referees to jointly officiate in an NRL Grand Final.[2]

The Melbourne Storm led 10–0 at halftime and fought off a Parramatta comeback to eventually win 23–16 and claim their third premiership since entering the competition.[3][4] This title was later stripped from the club due to salary cap breaches.[5] Melbourne went on to defeat the Leeds Rhinos, winners of the 2009 Super League Grand Final, in the 2010 World Club Challenge. The latter title was also stripped from the Melbourne club.

  1. ^ "Photos | Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm to meet in the NRL Grand Final | Glenn Jackson provides analysis and tips". The Age. Archived from the original on 29 September 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2009.
  2. ^ Jackson, Ed (29 September 2009). "Hayne, Archer to referee grand final". Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 30 September 2009.
  3. ^ "NRL: Storm back on top of the mountain". The New Zealand Herald. 4 October 2009. Retrieved 14 September 2011.
  4. ^ "Melbourne Storm wins NRL grand final". The Australian. 4 October 2009. Archived from the original on 7 October 2009. Retrieved 4 October 2009.
  5. ^ McDonald, Margie (22 April 2010). "Melbourne Storm stripped of two rugby league titles over salary cap fraud". The Australian. Retrieved 22 April 2010.