Melbourne and Canterbury came together off field this morning at the NRL Grand Final Breakfast.

It was the teams’ last meeting, before they go head to head on Sunday.

Tahlia Butler reports.

TRANSCRIPT

As the tension builds for the NRL grand final the players and coaches gathered for the traditional breakfast.

It was a chance to reflect on the finalists’ performance during the season and both coaches commented on how hard the teams have worked to get this far.

Des Hasler, Canterbury Bulldogs Coach: “We’ve really gelled together and the team has worked really hard and the staff have worked really hard and I guess this is the pay back, isn’t it.”

Craig Bellamy, Melbourne Storm Coach: “To the guys credit it’s all about hard work, and sticking to your beliefs and the players are really strong on what they need to do.”

The Storm players looked relaxed, with Captain Cameron Smith saying he was happy to be in Sydney away from the AFL hype in Melbourne.

Both coaches are confident of their team’s preparation but they’re sitting on the fence when it comes to who they think will win.

Des Hasler, Canterbury Bulldogs Coach: “I’m quite happy to report that the bookies can’t split us, so equal favourites. I think that’s the best way to go.”

The breakfast was also an opportunity to recognise referees Tony Archer and Ben Cummins who received the 2012 AAMI Service to Refereeing medal for their excellence on the field.

Tahlia Butler, QUT News.