We are down to the final two, as the Panthers and the Storm fight it out to decide the 2024 premiers.

Melbourne will be looking to add a fifth trophy to their cabinet, while the Panthers are chasing four in a row – here is how each team is shaping up.

The final 18-man line-ups have been confirmed one hour before kick-off.

Grand Final: Melbourne vs Penrith at Accor Stadium: 7.30pm AEDT, Sunday October 6

Storm: 1. Ryan Papenhuyzen 2. Will Warbrick 3. Jack Howarth 4. Nick Meaney 5. Xavier Coates 6. Cameron Munster 7. Jahrome Hughes 8. Tui Kamikamica 9. Harry Grant 10. Josh King 11. Shawn Blore 12. Eliesa Katoa 13. Trent Loiero 14. Tyran Wishart 15. Christian Welch 16.Lazarus Vaalepu 17. Alec MacDonald 18. Grant Anderson 19. Joe Chan 20. Kane Bradley 21. Tepai Moeroa 22. Sua Faalogo

Storm coach Craig Bellamy is relying on their “next man up” mentality in Sunday’s grand final against Penrith after prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona failed in his bid to have a grade three careless high tackle charge downgraded at the NRL judiciar.

Tui Kamikamica has been elevated into the starting front row, with Lazarua Vaalepu joining Christian Welch on the bench.

Bellamy had considered bringing Joe Chan up from the reserves ahead of Vaalepu but he has stuck with his originally selected line-up.

Chan drops out of the game-day squad with Grant Anderson the standby reserve on the interchange.

Panthers: 1. Dylan Edwards 2. Sunia Turuva 3. Izack Tago 4. Paul Alamoti 5. Brian To’o 6. Jarome Luai 7. Nathan Cleary 8. Moses Leota 9. Mitch Kenny 10. James Fisher-Harris 19. Scott Sorensen 12. Liam Martin 13. Isaah Yeo 14. Brad Schneider 15. Lindsay Smith 16. Liam Henry 11. Luke Garner 17. Matt Eisenhuth 18. Casey McLean 20. Trent Toelau 21. Daine Laurie 22. Luke Sommerton

Ivan Cleary has no concerns about throwing Scott Sorensen into the cauldron of an NRL grand final after clearing the Penrith forward to feature against Melbourne.

Cleary confirmed on Saturday that Sorensen was fit to take the field in Sunday’s decider after being sidelined for the past month with a hamstring issue.

The Penrith coach has opted to start Sorensen with second-rower Luke Garner going back to the interchange with Matt Eisenhuth – a long-serving club stalwart who has yet to win an NRL grand final – the unlucky casualty who misses out, relegated to 18th player duties.

Daine Laurie is the final Panther cut from the squad.

“He’ll be playing. It’s awesome. Sorro’s been a big part of our team the last three years,” Cleary said on Saturday. 

(Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

“He’s a real soldier in our team.

“Everyone was pretty bummed when he got injured a few weeks ago (against Parramatta) and it looked like that was the end for him this year. 

“He was really devastated. To be able to work so hard and get back and for him to be able to make a contribution tomorrow is really good.”

How they’ll line up

Melbourne Storm

1. Fullback: Ryan Papenhuyzen

Age: 26 Games: 91 Tries: 62 Finals: 11

Papenhuyzen has put two years of horror injuries behind him to become one of the Storm’s key men. Uses his electric pace to slice through a defensive line, while the team relies on him for his cool head in the heat of a high-stakes battle.

2. Wing: Will Warbrick

Age: 26 Games: 48 Tries: 32 Finals: 5

Warbrick has continued to improve since making his code switch from rugby sevens in 2023. Having also dabbled in AFL, the Kiwi is strong under the high ball but needs to keep his error count down.

3. Centre: Jack Howarth

Age: 22 Games: 16 Tries: 4 Finals: 2

A schoolboy star, Howarth has taken time to find his groove at the Storm but has become a weapon. Weighing in at 105kg, Howarth loves to keep busy and has the size and pace to cause headaches for the defence.

4. Centre: Nick Meaney

Age: 27 Games: 136 Tries: 52 Finals: 6

The Storm’s goal-kicker, Meaney is Mr Consistent in both attack and defence. Has formed a solid left edge with Warbrick since switching to the centres this season and won’t let anyone down.

5. Wing: Xavier Coates

Age: 23 Games: 85 Tries: 59 Finals: 4

As the name suggests, Coates brings some X-factor to the Storm’s back-line. With an athletic presence, Coates has an unrivalled ability to get the ball over the line, while his defence is a notable improvement this season.

6. Five-eighth: Cameron Munster

Age: 30 Games: 211 Tries: 59 Finals: 25

Has struggled with a groin issue that almost ended his year, but Munster looks fighting fit for the grand final. With a history of being goaded into silly penalties under pressure, his battle with Panthers pest Liam Martin will be a highlight.

7. Halfback: Jahrome Hughes 

Age: 29 Games: 149 Tries: 62 Finals: 13

This clash pits the season’s best halfback in Hughes against the game’s top No.7 in Nathan Cleary. When Munster was sidelined through injury the Kiwi ace took control of the Storm attack, and he’s also bagged 12 tries for himself.

8. Prop: Tui Kamikamica

Age: 30 Games: 113 Tries: 10 Finals: 11

Brought into the starting side to replace banned prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona, the muscle-bound Fijian is a no-frills contributor. May need to fire up in the absence of his big teammate to get the Storm on the front foot.

9. Hooker: Harry Grant

Age: 26 Games: 100 Tries: 35 Finals: 8

The Storm skipper has been credited with tightening the bonds of the team with his off-field activities and on-field Grant is also a linch-pin. A runaway competition leader for dummy half runs, the hooker is always probing the defence.

10. Prop: Josh King

Age: 28 Games: 154 Tries: 9 Finals: 7

King has blossomed since his arrival at Melbourne from the Knights. A tireless worker, he’s hardly missed a game in three seasons. King will put his hand up for more minutes in the absence of Asofa-Solomona.

11. Second Row: Shawn Blore

Age: 24 Games: 56 Tries: 3 Finals: 2

Another to flourish under Bellamy, Blore could easily have been lining up for the Panthers after coming through their junior ranks. Finally injury-free, Blore adds aggression to the Storm with his fearless approach.

12. Second Row: Eliesa Katoa

Age: 24 Games: 91 Tries: 28 Finals: 5

Katoa has been one of Melbourne’s best this season, living up to the promise he showed as a junior after three lean seasons with the Warriors. The Tongan danger-man can sniff out a try, scoring 12 this year.

13. Lock: Trent Loiero

Age: 23 Games: 74 Tries: 6 Finals: 6

Switching Loiero from the edge into lock has proved a master-stroke by Bellamy with the young Queenslander happy to get through a ton of work. Got a taste of the big time when coach Billy Slater called him into the Origin squad.

14. Interchange: Tyran Wishart

Age: 24 Games: 54 Tries: 14 Finals: 3

Wishart is the answer to just about any Storm question. One of the most improved players in the NRL, the utility is looking to achieve what his father Rod couldn’t and win a premiership.

15. Interchange: Christian Welch

Age: 30 Games: 162 Tries: 7 Finals: 15

Welch is one of only four players remaining from the 2020 grand-final triumph over Penrith. Only played eight minutes in the preliminary final, his experience will surely be called upon for more game time in the decider.

16. Interchange: Lazarus Vaalepu

Age: 25 Games: 6 Tries: 1 Finals: 0

Only making his NRL debut in round 20, Penrith-born prop Vaalepu has leap-frogged a number of contenders on to the Storm bench. He’s the least experienced player to ever line up in an NRL grand final.

17. Interchange: Alec MacDonald

Age: 22 Games: 45 Tries: 3 Finals: 2

MacDonald earned his place in the Storm line-up on pure effort, always ready to rip in. Playing through the middle he is always putting his hand up to take a tough carry or for looking for extra work in defence.

18. Replacement: Grant Anderson

Age: 24 Games: 27 Tries: 12 Finals: 0

A certain starter at any other club, speedster Anderson made the most of his opportunities this year. Can fit in anywhere in the back-line, including halfback.

Tyran Wishart is tackled. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Penrith Panthers

1. Fullback: Dylan Edwards

Age: 28 Games: 150 Tries: 52 Finals: 16

It’s been a season of ups and downs for workmanlike Edwards – picked for his State of Origin debut but hampered by a knee issue since NSW’s series win. But appears to be rediscovering his best at the right time, and remains critical defensively in the back-field.

2. Wing: Sunia Turuva

Age: 22 Games: 51 Tries: 29 Finals: 5

A ball of energy on the left wing, he’s been back to his best returning from a spell working on his defence in NSW Cup. Leaves Penrith for Wests Tigers next season so will be eager to go out on the right note.

3. Centre: Izack Tago

Age: 22 Games: 73 Tries: 34 Finals: 7

Has had a down season by his standards but his pace and size make him a potent attacking threat on the right edge. Prone to a defensive error here and there so must be on his game marking up on breakout Storm player Jack Howarth.

4. Centre: Paul Alamoti

Age: 20 Games: 34 Tries: 9 Finals: 2

Entered the season playing second fiddle to Taylan May, and could finish it with a maiden premiership ring. Has proven a more than handy replacement for Stephen Crichton, and is the only Panthers starter playing in his first decider.

5. Wing: Brian To’o

Age: 26 Games: 116 Tries: 80 Finals: 14

There’s no denying it anymore – he’s one of the greatest wingers in modern history. Reliable, powerful out of yardage and a strong finisher, he impacts games in ways wingers never used to.

6. Five-eighth: Jarome Luai

Age: 27 Games: 130 Tries: 25 Finals: 14

The flamboyant five-eighth has hit top gear this season, vital amid Nathan Cleary’s injury struggles. His impending arrival at Wests Tigers marks the end of an era as Penrith’s star halves pairing disbands. Arguably the highest-profile player to leave the club amid five years of dominance.

Panthers star Nathan Cleary howls in pain after injuring his shoulder. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

7. Halfback: Nathan Cleary 

Age: 26 Games: 171 Tries: 61 Finals: 21

Penrith’s most important player, their best across two finals wins in 2024, and their saviour in last year’s decider. The stoic superstar No.7 is carrying a shoulder problem highly likely to require off-season surgery, and any mid-game aggravation could torpedo the Panthers’ hopes of four straight grand final wins.

8. Prop: Moses Leota

Age: 29 Games: 174 Tries: 14 Finals: 17

Crucial to setting the tone and helping Penrith capitalise on their advantage over Melbourne’s middle forwards, an advantage that has only grown since Nelson Asofa-Solomona lost his battle at the judiciary.

9. Hooker: Mitch Kenny

Age: 26 Games: 106 Tries: 4 Finals: 11

Not as flashy as predecessor Api Koroisau but doesn’t need to be as long as he’s making his tackles in the middle and providing good service out of dummy-half. Was the unlikely first try-scorer in last year’s pulsating decider.

10. Prop: James Fisher-Harris

Age: 28 Games: 202 Tries: 16 Finals: 21

The fearsome enforcer plays his last game before returning home to the Warriors. Has been among the NRL’s best front-rowers for the past five years, and will be raring to be unleashed on a Storm pack that lacks the Panthers’ punch.

19: Second Row: Scott Sorensen

Age: 31 Games: 120 Tries: 11 Finals: 9

A late inclusion after proving his fitness on the hamstring injury which has sidelined the Kiwi international in recent weeks.

12. Second Row: Liam Martin

Age: 27 Games: 125 Tries: 26 Finals: 15

The Panthers’ pest-in-chief, known for relishing physical contact and one-on-one battles. Melbourne five-eighth Cameron Munster has laid the groundwork for another chapter in their rivalry by claiming the pair did not get on well during their time playing for Australia.

13. Lock: Isaah Yeo

Age: 29 Games: 244 Tries: 31 Finals: 21

The elder statesman and inspirational leader. Broke the all-time record for most Penrith games last week and is the team’s linchpin in the middle of the field with his silky hands. Will be remembered as one of the clubs’ all-time greats.

14. Interchange: Brad Schneider

Age: 23 Games: 26 Tries: 5 Finals: 2

The former Raider’s level of involvement will hinge on Cleary’s shoulder injury – he could be called on to combat a mid-game crisis, or could go unused altogether.

15. Interchange: Lindsay Smith

Age: 24 Games: 53 Tries: 4 Finals: 5

The lanky Smith has quietly pieced together a great season from the bench, showcasing his potential as a ball-player, and can provide cover for an edge in the event of an injury.

16. Interchange: Liam Henry

Age: 23 Games: 26 Tries: 2 Finals: 2

Penrith’s presumptive rookie of the year has enjoyed a fruitful first season as a bench middle, notably coming within three shots of the NRL-era record for most tackles in a game. One of only four Panthers named in the 17 for their first grand final.

11. Interchange: Luke Garner

Age: 29 Games: 103 Tries: 31 Finals: 5

In career-best form. Has gone from journeyman to bonafide winner in two seasons at Penrith and is likely to shift to the centres in the event of a back-line injury.

17. Reserve: Matthew Eisenhuth 

Age: 32 Games: 135 Tries: 5 Finals: 3

A slight chance to finally make an appearance on the big day after being the hard-luck story across Penrith’s three grand final wins. Sorensen has nudged him out of the side but he is still a hope to play as 18th player.

with AAP