Rugby league great Matty Johns has nailed his colours to the mast ahead of Sunday's 2025 NRL grand final, declaring Melbourne as his pick.
Speaking on SEN 1170’s The Run Home, Johns explained why he believes Craig Bellamy's men remain the best equipped side to deliver on the big stage.
"I’m still [going with] the Storm," he said.
"They’ve got the big game know-how.
"The key men in that side are very even-keeled, they’re consistent and you know what you are going to get from them."
Johns highlighted Melbourne's spine as the critical difference. In particular, he believes the combination of Cameron Munster and Harry Grant gives the Storm a unique ability to dismantle opposition defences.
"Blokes like Munster, while he is a loose unit, in big games you can depend on him," he said.
"Harry Grant, blokes like that, they speak for themselves."
Johns pointed to Brisbane's potential vulnerability through the middle late in matches. He suggested that this is precisely where Melbourne's composure and experience could prove to be decisive.
"That Storm spine, I’ve never seen a spine who can take apart an opposition's middle defence like them," he said.
"So yeah, I’m still pro-Storm."
Melbourne's finals pedigree is a factor that can't be ignored. Under Bellamy, they've now reached 11 grand finals since 2003, with a system designed to thrive under pressure.
Munster's ability to rise in the pressure moments is well documented. Grant's craft from dummy-half adds another dimension to their attack.
Alongside Ryan Papenhuyzen and Jahrome Hughes, the Storm's spine remains one of the most balanced in the competition.
Brisbane, however, are far from overpowered. Led by Adam Reynolds, Reece Walsh and Ben Hunt, Michael Maguire's spine has enough strike to claim the trophy.
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The Broncos fell agonisingly short in 2023, and their resurgence since then has made them one of the most dangerous attacking outfits in the league.
Still, Johns insists Melbourne's calmness and championship know-how may prove to be the ultimate separator when the pressure cooker of the grand final reaches a boiling point.