The pre-match entertainment included performances from
Hoodoo Gurus and
Shannon Noll. Player, coach and commentator
Frank Hyde was honoured during the half-time break with a video-tribute as well as a minute's silence prior to the Premier League Grand Final.
First half Melbourne crossed early in the first half with a try to winger Anthony Quinn via a slick back-line movement that involved 3 decoy runners to lead 6–0. Another set play midway through the first half saw Melbourne extend the scoreline to 10–0 with a barging try to five-eighth
Greg Inglis. Seconds before halftime, Manly centre Steve Matai crossed in the corner to take the deficit back to six points. The half-time score read 10–4 to Melbourne, with many surprised at how the scoreline was so close considering Melbourne's dominance.
Second half The second half started with major controversy after Manly fullback Brett Stewart was knocked unconscious by a massive hit from Melbourne players Michael Crocker and Billy Slater attempting to catch a bomb. Stewart failed to return following the hit, and it proved to be the turning point in the match as Melbourne immediately extended their lead to 14–4 with a try to Crocker. Two quick tries soon after by Melbourne players Matt King and Greg Inglis took the score out to 22–4 and the game looked set for a Melbourne victory. King barged over with a trademark Melbourne decoy play, while Inglis scored the try of the match with a vintage long range 60m run and powerful fend to post his second. Manly soon pegged the score back to 22–8 with a nice try to winger Chris Hicks but it seemed too little too late for the Manly side. Melbourne then scored two late tries to second-rower Clint Newton and another for Anthony Quinn to take the scoreline to 34–8. Melbourne captain Cameron Smith was inaccurate with the boot, kicking only three goals from eight attempts (including a missed penalty goal). Inglis was awarded the
Clive Churchill Medal for best on field. The 34–8 Grand Final score was the third highest grand final margin in Australian rugby league history. ==Match summary==