Melbourne Storm skipper Cameron Smith said the challenges his side has overcome in 2018 has them well-placed to be at their best in Sunday's grand final showdown with the Sydney Roosters.
Storm and Roosters players attended the NRL Fan Fest on Thursday afternoon at Moore Park's Entertainment Quarter. It was the last time they would eye each other off ahead of their ANZ Stadium meeting.
Addressing the fans, Smith said, the side have had a good week thus far.
"We faced our own challenges throughout the entire season with injury and suspension but we've overcome all of those challenges and we've got one more this weekend in a very good side in the Roosters," Smith said.
"The last couple of weeks for us has been a great build up for this game, we just have to make sure that our preparation is right over the next few days to make sure we give ourselves an opportunity to play well.
Roosters v Storm - Grand Final
"And if we play well we're a chance of taking the premiership but it's going to take a big effort and a big 80 minutes against a very good side.
"We have very loyal fans that follow us all around the country - it doesn't matter where we play we always seem to have plenty of followers at the games and plenty of people in the stands so we are expecting the same thing on Sunday."
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The Fan Fest invited all to come and enjoy an afternoon of rides, food and drinks while being able to participate in rugby league skills and drills. Then came a chance to see both the women's and men's grand final teams for one last time before Sunday.
Players from each of the 16 NRL clubs were also present at the event, including the likes of Jamayne Isaako (Broncos), Valentine Holmes (Sharks), Kalyn Ponga (Knights), Daly Cherry-Evans (Sea Eagles), Issac Luke (Warriors) and Tyson Frizell (Dragons).
Roosters captain Boyd Cordner said having the Roosters women's side also in action on Sunday was an added bonus.
"This is why we play rugby league, to play in grand finals and to play for premierships," Cordner said.
"You have to take it all in and enjoy the week - it's a really good experience.
"With the women's competition coming in this year it was a proud year for women in sport and rugby league itself.
"We're very proud to have them a part of our club and proud of them playing on grand final game as well."
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