The season finale is upon us and who better to preview the game than Rugby League Immortal and Titans High Performance Senior Advisor, Mal Meninga.
Mal is no stranger to the NRL Grand final, having won the Proven-Summons Trophy with the Raiders three times in his career.
Find out who Mal is tipping to win Sunday's showdown, and why he thinks they'll outplay their opponents below.
Mal's Prediction:
"My thoughts on the Grand Final is that the best players have a influence over the result. Motivations or a 'why' is crucial as well.
The experts say defense wins premierships. South Sydney have been the best defensive team at the back end of the season and the Panthers have been great all year. They're equal!
The why is also crucial - Wayne, Reynolds and Gagai leaving, Benji Marshall perhaps playing his last ever game... now that’s motivation.
However, there is no greater motivation than losing the year before and getting another chance. Penrith are wiser, tougher and they will be ready. Again, equal!
Now for the key players - Cook, Murray and Walker for Souths. Cleary, Yeo and Koraisau for Panthers. They nearly nullify themselves and then there's the captain, Reynolds' kicking game is great.
But for me, I'll pick the Panthers. Cleary is their X factor and he will remain composed during the game and manage his team to success.
You may say Coaches have a bearing on the result, and that’s true through the week and the preparation of both teams, but in the end it will still comes down to motivation and the best players standing up."
Will Mal's Grand Final prediction prove correct? Grand Final coverage starts at 6:30pm Sunday!
