As the Melbourne Storm and Penrith Panthers prepare to face off against each other in tonight’s NRL grand final, they carry the hopes of fans who have stood by them through highs and lows.
It has been 17 long years since
Amid restrictions, the capacity of Sydney’s Olympic stadium has been reduced by 50 per cent, allowing 40,000 fans to attend in person.
It’s been a season like no other, with the competition shortened due to the pandemic, games played with no fans on site and players forced to isolate in team bubbles.
Melbourne Storm fans have enjoyed much success, with the team winning the premiership in 2017 and 2012 under coach Craig Bellamy.
But they have also had their fair share of heartache, with the NRL stripping the team of their 2007 and 2009 titles for breaching the salary cap.
Steve “Spider” Martin and his family can often be heard at Storm games leading chants with the cowbell.
Steve Martin (right) with his family will be watching from home this year.(ABC News: Chris Le Page)
If not for COVID-19, they would be at the ground on Sunday night.
“The whole family, got the cow bell going, making noise, supporting our team,” he said.
“[But] we’re going to have to watch it from the comfort of our own homes this time, but our spirits are there and we’ll be cheering along as if we are there.
“I’m so pumped about this one, a deserving win this will be.”
The Martin family has not been able to attend any home games this season, and while the Storm have been based interstate for four months they still feel a connection to their side.
“Every time they’re playing, they’re raising their jersey showing the ‘V’ — you can see they’re doing it for us,” he said.
While there has been much speculation about the playing future of Storm stalwart Cameron Smith, Mr Martin said he would support the star player no matter what.
“Cameron’s been an absolute soldier. If he wants to go out on his own so be it, he’s still got plenty more seasons in him if he wants to play. Whatever it is, we’ll support him,” he said.
Cameron Smith of the Storm is chaired off the field following their win against the Canberra Raiders.(AAP: Dave Hunt)
‘We don’t know when the next one will be’
Matt Leavey was five years old in 1991 when the Panthers won their first grand final.
Matt Leavey says the grand final result will “make me the happiest person or break my heart”.(ABC News: Mridula Amin)
His parents used to work in pubs and he remembers his Mum noting how fans reacted in 1990, the year they lost the grand final.
“She said there were grown men crying into their schooners and sobbing,” he said.
The high emotions of the game have barely changed in decade. In the lead-up to the game, Matt’s nerves are restless.
“I feel sick. I feel horrible actually,” he said.
“I know I should be enjoying this, and I’m trying, but I know there’s an 80-minute football game and the result of that will either make me the happiest person ever or break my heart.”
The Panthers celebrate a try during the NRL second preliminary final.(AAP: Dean Lewins)
The grand final has brought Penrith to a standstill, with friends of Matt’s even closing their business until Wednesday to concentrate on the history at hand.
“It’s funny but so typical of Penrith, we’re not Melbourne — for us this is the first grand final in 17 years and we don’t know when the next one will be,” he said.
“Western Sydney is rugby league heartland. It’s a working-class game, this is a working-class town. It goes to the heart of the community.”
Source:: ABC News
