2008 NRL GrandFinal

The wait was over for the NRL Grand Final. The finals was a repeat match of NRL2007 Manly Warringah Sea Eagles and Melbourne Storm. Everyone predicted that Storm will win this time also, but I didn't. On top of that weather was playing its part, the whole week was sunny, but the forecast said its going to rain on sat/sun and it did rained on sat mornings and also on sunday morning. It didn't rain, but the sky was overcast and sun wasn't visible.

I was very much excited because, I have never been to a stadium to watch a match, be it a cricket, football or any other game. But I got a chance to watch 2008 NRL Grand final at ANZ Stadium, Sydney.

2008 was also the Centenary Year 1908-2008 for the Rugby League.

I took 13.30 train from StLeonards to Lidcombe and from Lidcombe another train and reached Sydney Olympic Park just over 3PM. After coming out of the station, I could see half of Sydney there on the way to ANZ Stadium. I didn't feel like going inside, so I loitered around the stadium. Grabbed a Pizza and coffee for lunch. I went insdie by 3.20PM. There was a NRL U20 match between Canberra Raiders and Brisbane Broncos. Broncos were leading till the half-time, but after the half-time raiders scored 3 tries and won the Toyota Cup.




Everyone was awaiting for the big match and crowd were slowly piling up and the stadium was filling up.



There was some presentation and a spectacular display of fire-works and a band was performing.



The NRL Cup was delivered by the Australian Navy Helicopter. It landed right in the middle of the stadium.




Exactly at 5pm both the teams Manly Sea Eagles and Melbourne Storm came out and the crowd went absolutely crazy and game began.



Sea Eagles dominated from the start and played attacking game and defended very well. Key players for Sea Eagles like Steve Matai, Matt Orford, Beaver, Lyon et al were attacking from the first minute and Sea Eagles were leading 8-0 during the half-time.

I was very hungry and went out and grabbed a Veg Pizza and a drink.

After the half-time, Manly again started their score and converting the tries to goals and at the end the score read 40-0. I heard over the radio when writing this blog that this is the biggest margin in the NRL Grand final.

The crowd was absolutely stunning and were supporting Manly and well-behaved. Beer was available within the stadium and everyone was happily gluping beers and supporting their teams.

I was a Manly supporter and supported it through-out the game. They were absolutely stunning and fabulous. I was feeling bad for Storm as their captain Smith was handed over suspension for grapple tackle during the semis.

It was a absolutely fantastic experience to watch a match that too a final of the match in the stadium.

The overall attendance for the final was 80388 and I was one of them.