The 60s gave us The Beatles. The 80s gave us The Immortals. The ‘noughties’ gave us The Big Four at the Melbourne Storm.
And now, in 2025, we are witnessing the second incarnation of the Big Four as Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Ryan Papenhuyzen and Harry Grant look to cement their legacy with a grand final triumph over Brisbane.
For magic man Munster, it would be a third winner’s ring to go with those he collected in 2017 and 2020, while Hughes and Clive Churchill Medal winner Papenhuyzen were also part of the 2020 triumph.
Grant was part of the beaten grand final side in 2024 and was on loan to Wests Tigers in 2020 so he harbours a fierce desire to savour his first premiership on Sunday.
Having his main men all on the field at the same time has been a rare treat for Storm coach Craig Bellamy, with the preliminary final representing just the eighth time this season his spine was fully aligned.
“We’ve still got a bit of improvement in our combination, but the whole four of them, the thing that stood out for me is how well they played individually,” Bellamy said after the win over the Sharks.
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Hughes previews Grand Final
“That’s not being uncomplimentary. I just thought they did their jobs really well without probably linking together too well overall, and that will certainly come.
“Hughesy has been out for a bit, and Paps has been out for a bit, so our combinations will hopefully improve during the week.”
And that’s the scary proposition for grand final opponents the Broncos, who have won just five of the 40 clashes between the team since the 2006 grand final.
Yep, that’s a 35-5 advantage to the Storm over the past 19 years.
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Storm v Broncos: Grand Final
It was a similar story when the original Big Four – Cameron Smith, Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk, Greg Inglis – were in their comp winning pomp.
With 10 premierships, 163 Origins and 127 Origins between them, they stacked up records for fun and helped Bellamy turn the Storm into the juggernaut it is today.
From the moment Smith debuted at the Storm in 2002 through to his retirement after the 2020 premiership, he set a standard that may never be matched, likewise Slater and Cronk.
The crafty hooker, the freakish fullback and the scheming halfback – laying the foundation for success.
“I think he’s the greatest player I’ve ever seen,” Bellamy said of Smith.
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Munster the main man
“For what he’s done, no one has gone over 400 NRL games and 100 rep games, and the success as captain it’s quite remarkable.
“I can’t see it happening again. It’s hard to describe his effect on our club and the game. The biggest thing is how long he’s done it for.”
And while the modern day fab four could only dream of reaching Smith’s mark of 430 games, Munster has made a mighty impact in his 235 games to date as well as 21 Origins and 12 Tests.
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All the angles: THAT Harry Grant match winner!
Fittingly he was named the Cameron Smith Medal winner in 2022 – the first year the Storm’s player of the year award was renamed in honour of their greatest ever player.
As speculation swirled earlier this year that Munster could be lured to the Perth Bears as a marquee signing when they join the competition in 2027, Smith was adamant the classy five-eighth would stay put.
“Knowing Cam Munster and the type of person he is, I think he’d like to stick out his time in the NRL as a one-club player,” Smith said on 100% Footy.
“He’s built a great life down there in Melbourne around his football career. He’s built a young family with his wife Bianca. I know he’s got a great relationship with Craig Bellamy.
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A double for Papenhuyzen
“I really can’t see him moving on and playing elsewhere. I know it’d be fairly enticing as a marquee player moving over to the west and the new franchise. He’s been coached by Mal Meninga as well at the Kangaroos and they get along great. I just can’t see Cam moving away from the Melbourne Storm.”
His halves partner Hughes inked a new deal in July that keeps him at the Storm until the end of 2030 in a massive boost for the club.
“I absolutely love this club, it’s become a second family to me, and Melbourne feels like home,” the Kiwi playmaker said at the time.
“This group of players, coaches, and staff is incredibly special, and I’m determined to achieve more success in the purple jersey. I’m excited for what lies ahead and the memories still to come.”
And what better way to create more memories than by delivering the Storm a fifth premiership alongside his fellow Big Four buddies this Sunday night.
You cannot miss the NRL Grand Final, kicking off live on Channel 9, Sunday 7:30pm AEDT.