The 10 most memorable Roosters v Storm clashes

Ahead of Sunday night's grand final showdown between the Sydney Roosters and Melbourne Storm at ANZ Stadium, pan66.com recalls 10 memorable battles between the two glamour clubs.

2018, Round 16 - Storm 9 defeated Roosters 8

A clutch Cameron Smith field goal in the 78th minute was the difference in what was an absorbing tussle at Adelaide Oval on June 29. It was also the first time halfback Cooper Cronk lined up against his former teammates.

2017, Round 23 - Storm 16 defeated Roosters 13

Melbourne flexed their premiership muscles a few weeks out from the finals with a come from behind win at AAMI Park. In a typical arm wrestle, Luke Keary looked to have won it for the visitors with a late field goal, only to see Storm forward Joe Stimson crash over in the 76th minute.

2015, Qualifying final - Storm 20 defeated Roosters 18

The teams kicked off the finals series with a cliffhanger at Allianz Stadium. The Roosters held an 8-6 lead at half-time but Melbourne stormed home in the second stanza to seal victory. A penalty goal from Cameron Smith, who didn't miss with his four shots at goal, proved the difference on the back of tries from Tim Glasby, Kurt Mann and Marika Koroibete.

2015, Round 7 - Storm 17 defeated Roosters 16

Cooper Cronk iced the contest on home soil in a high quality contest between the premiership heavyweights. With the game destined for golden point, Melbourne's star halfback piloted his effort between the sticks, much to the relief of coach Craig Bellamy.

2012, Round 4 - Storm 44 defeated Roosters 4

The Tricolours were outclassed on the road from start to finish, with doubles from Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater the highlights in the comfortable triumph. Boyd Cordner grabbed a consolation try for Brian Smith's men. Come the end of the season, it proved to be Melbourne's year.

2009, Round 9 -  Storm 28 defeated Roosters 12

The clubs opted to take a game to Gosford, marking the first time a fixture was played outside of Sydney or Melbourne. Brett Finch grabbed a four pointer for Melbourne against one of his many former NRL clubs, with Ryan Hinchcliffe starting at hooker ahead of the rested Cameron Smith. 

2007, Round 20 - Roosters 26 defeated Storm 16

Unheralded winger John Williams was the unlikely hero for the Tricolours, finishing with a double to his name at Allianz Stadium. It ended a seven-game winning streak for Melbourne, who recovered to win their second title in September.

2002, Round 9 - Roosters 34 defeated Storm 6

An inspired performance from captain Brad Fittler sealed an impressive win at the Sydney Football Stadium. Back-rower Michael Crocker showed he was no slouch with the boot for the hosts, slotting five from six.

2000, Round 19 - Roosters 41 defeated Storm 6

Doubles from Matt Sing and Craig Fitzgibbon delighted the home fans with the finals looming. It was a timely result, lifting the Chooks to third on the ladder. History shows they fell short in the big dance versus the Broncos later that year.

1998, Major preliminary final - Roosters 26 defeated Roosters 12

In their maiden year in the competition, Melbourne were tipped by many to struggle. They defied the critics to finish third, but they were given a rude shock in the playoffs with Brad Fittler leading the Roosters to a 26-12 triumph at the old Olympic Park in the major preliminary final. In a playoff quirk that year, both teams then went on to be eliminated by eventual premiers Brisbane.

2018 Telstra Premiership grand final: Sydney Roosters v Melbourne Storm, Sunday, September 30, 7.20pm at ANZ Stadium

Head-to-head in NRL era: Played 35; Storm 20 wins, Roosters 15 wins
Previous result: Storm won 9-8 at Adelaide Oval in round 16
Points per game (regular season): Roosters 22.6 (4th); Storm 22.3 (5th)
Points conceded per game (regular season): Roosters 15 (1st); Storm 15.1 (2nd)
Televised: Live on Nine, Fox League