Storm v Bulldogs final

The Storm entered the finals with diminished momentum, suffering defeats against the Roosters and Broncos, which also saw them lose key players Jahrome Hughes and Ryan Papenhuyzen in the last round.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs faced a heavy defeat against the Sharks in their final regular-season match, compounded by an ankle injury to winger Marcelo Montoya.

This was not the ideal way for either team to head into the qualifying final, but both sides possess enough talent to bounce back at AAMI Park.

The last encounter between the Storm and Bulldogs in a final took place during the 2014 qualifying round, where Canterbury triumphed 28-4, aided by a hat-trick from Tim Lafai, and subsequently advanced to the grand final.