In a competition where the difference between the haves and have-nots has become stark, a grand final between the two teams with the most was perhaps inevitable.

The Roosters and the Broncos both have enjoyed historic success this year, their dominance sucking much of the drama from the extended regular season.

Other teams that believed they were capable of pulling off the upset consistently fell short, merely delaying this final game.

Never before has a decider been so drenched in star power.

The Roosters are searching for back-to-back premierships and are unbeaten through 12 games this year, winning the only regular-season match-up between the two.

To the Tricolours' five-eighth, Corban Baxter, the 30-26 epic felt like a grand final in itself.

"We started really strong in that

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