OFFICIAL 2025 Grand Final Discussion Thread

Who wins?

  • Melbourne Storm

    Votes: 38 55.1%
  • Brisbane Broncos

    Votes: 31 44.9%

  • Total voters
    69
The NRL, on the back Brisbane and its superstar fullback, has cemented its place as the number one sport in the country after smashing the AFL TV grand final ratings.



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A bit of chest beating from Nine below but good to see the popularity of the game atm. The footy has been good to watch this year.​


Thrilling NRL Grand Final smashes TV ratings record, beats AFL​

By Patrick Brischetto
1:29pm Oct

Rugby league's showpiece event between the Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos was watched by a national total TV average audience of 4.46 million people on Nine, the highest-ever for an NRL Grand Final.
The decider, which was won 26-22 by the Broncos after a Reece Walsh-inspired comeback, reached a total reach of 6.4 million people across the country, and drew in over 1 million more people than last year's decider, which had an audience of 3.36 million.
The match also became Australia's most-watched event of the year beating the AFL Grand Final, which was watched by an average of 4.18 million viewers the previous week.

The match was also higher than the Broncos' previous final in 2023, which saw 3.41 million people tune in to their defeat to the Penrith Panthers.
Records were also broken in the NRLW Grand Final between the Broncos and Sydney Roosters, with 1 million people watching the match, a 36 per cent increase compared to last season.
A large proportion of viewers streamed the match, with 1.3 million people streaming the action on 9Now.
"This year's phenomenal ratings are a testament to Nine's unwavering commitment to being the true home of rugby league," said Amanda Laing, Nine's managing director of streaming and broadcast.
"We believe the greatest game of all should be accessible to everyone, and by providing that universal, free-to-air access, we are helping to grow the sport's fan base in every corner of the country. To see that commitment reflected in record-breaking audience numbers is incredibly rewarding.”
 
Only tuned into the last 20 minutes but so happy for the broncos.

Could not deal with the Storm winning especially after Utoikamanu’s comments earlier this week. Like seriously, who does he think he is. He got into Origin purely because of his coach without doing anything of note in clubland then managed to play horrifically both times. Payne Haas is easily the best forward in the game but I never hear him say anything cocky or egotistical. Always comes across as quite humble (could be wrong as don’t pay much attention).

Anyway, happy for this broncs team. Was initially going for the raiders but midway through Raiders, Broncos I found myself cheering for the other side and decided to stick with them instead.

I have been mesmerised by Reece Walsh over the last month or so. He’s very well hated by most league fans and to be fair he can be a bit of an idiot at times but you cannot knock his talent whatsoever. One of a few players in the league who can genuinely win games from behind by himself as shown in that Raiders semi.

So happy for other players like Payne Haas who has had an extremely tough family life. Reyno and Hunt, especially Hunt after his last grand final, as they are two legendary halves of the game close to retiring. Also Billy walters lifting the trophy as I felt really bad for him doing his ACL as he’s been massive this year.

And finally to Maguire. Things didn’t work out here at the Tigers and that’s a shame. However, he has copped significant media heat for not much reason this year. Dragged broncos from 12th to 1st with minimal squad changes. Solidified himself as one of the great coaches now. Also shows that he wasn’t the issue with us, it was the people in charge and the players and we are fixing that now (pray that Benji can coach).

And finally. Broncos have 100% win rate since Reece Walsh drank toilet water. Might have to get some of our boys on it 🤪.
Gives a whole new meaning to getting on the piss !
 
They peaked at the perfect time.
To be behind Penrith and Melbourne by 10plus at halftime and keep them scoreless in the second half and overcome the deficit - impressive.
Their finals series performances against arguably the three best teams in the comp were stand up. It will be interesting how they back up next season.
Penrith will be back next season and go on another run.
 
Better than any the last 10 years sure, but better than Dwyer and Ellis?

They're good players but don't stand out as any better a pairing than at least half the sides in the comp.
Yeah I like them better. I haven't got the massive wrap on Ellis most have on here and Dwyer never really hit his straps
 

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