Melbourne to meet Cronulla in NRL grand final

By Associated Press 25 September 2016, 12:00AM

SYDNEY (AP) — Melbourne held on to beat Canberra 14-12 on Saturday and earn a place opposite Cronulla in the National Rugby League grand final.

Two moments of indiscipline by Canberra during the second half handed Melbourne its winning lead.

Canberra fullback Jack Wighton was sin-binned in the 59th minute for holding down Marika Koroibete and Melbourne immediately scored through winger Cheyse Blair. Josh Hodgson conceded a penalty five minute later and Cameron Smith kicked the goal to complete Melbourne's scoring.

Elliott Whitehead scored in the 75th minute, cutting the margin to two points, but Melbourne was able to hold on.

The Storm will be appearing in a grand final for the second time since being stripped of their 2007 and 2009 titles for salary cap breaches.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy will be leading his team to the grand final for the sixth time.

"You've got to give (Canberra) a lot of credit, they kept hanging in there," Bellamy said.

Cronulla won a place in the grand final for the first time in 16 years when it beat defending champion North Queensland 32-20 on Friday.

By Associated Press 25 September 2016, 12:00AM
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