Melbourne Storm win NRL Grand Final after claiming hard-fought victory over Canterbury Bulldogs
Melbourne Storm claimed their first NRL title in 13 years after battling to a 14-4 victory over Canterbury Bulldogs.
Last Updated: 30/09/12 11:01am
Stripped of their 2007 and 2009 premierships due to breaches of the salary cap, the Storm finally added a second title to their 1999 premiership courtesy of tries from former Wigan second-rower Ryan Hoffman, star full-back Billy Slater and wing Justin O'Neill.
Both sides defended stoutly in a hard-fought battle in front of an 82,976 crowd, but the Storm reaped the rewards of their offensive cohesion in the first half.
Their victory could have been even more emphatic but for an off day with the boot by captain Cameron Smith, who succeeded with just one of his four attempts at goal.
England forward James Graham suffered a sixth consecutive Grand Final defeat as he was heavily involved from the bench for the Bulldogs.
The 27-year-old, who lost five consecutive Super League Grand Finals with St Helens, could be facing more misery after he found himself at the centre of a biting allegation.
Graham, who has made a big impression in his first season with the Bulldogs, was put on report following a fracas that erupted after Canterbury scored their only try through wing Sam Perrett in the 26th minute.
Slater claimed he was bitten on the ear and initial television slow-motion replays did not make pleasant viewing for Graham.
Graham is due to link up with England for their training camp in South Africa next week but a potential suspension if the allegation is proven could mean he misses the autumn internationals against France and Wales.
It was a more productive day for his fellow England international Gareth Widdop, who played an influential role for Melbourne and made a brilliant try-saving tackle on Josh Reynolds.
