So, it has come down to this, after a tumultuous 2021 NRL season, the two teams left standing are South Sydney led by captain Adam Reynolds and Penrith led by co-captain Nathan Cleary.
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On Sunday, for the first time in its history, the NRL Grand Final will be played away from its now traditional home of Stadium Australia in Sydney - thanks to COVID-19.
If all goes to plan the match will be played at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium, but a last-minute switch to Townsville is not off the table - again thanks to COVID-19.
And as of today, October 1, it could even be played with just 50 per cent capacity in Brisbane, or postponed for two weeks and moved back to Sydney. We wait with bated breath for the latest decision.
As it stands, Queensland star Kate Miller-Heidke will sing the national anthem and entertainment will be provided by Ian Moss, The Stafford Brothers, Timmy Trumpet, Aboriginal didgeridoo player William Barton and a 40-piece orchestra, plus a spectacular light show.
The Bunnies have not won a premiership since 2014, while Penrith came agonisingly close last year, losing 26-20 to Melbourne Storm.
Souths had the luxury of watching Penrith slug it out in a grand final replay with Melbourne last Saturday, after crushing their preliminary-final opponents Manly 36-16 last Friday. But a cloud hangs over captain Adam Reynolds' groin injury and the team is without Latrell Mitchell (suspension) and Josh Mansour (knee and head knock).
Meanwhile, after their brutal preliminary bout, Penrith's James Fisher-Harris, Moses Leota and Mitch Kenny will all play despite injuries, but Tevita Pangai Junior is out.
Souths have won 21 grand finals in the club's 113-year history. Penrith joined the league in 1967 and have won just two premierships - the last in 2003. So, maybe they are due.
It's a tough one to call, but my pick is Rabbitohs to win.
