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Clive Churchill Medal Tips - Who will be best on ground in the NRL Grand Final 2025?

ryan-tucker
Editor
Last updated: Fri 03 Oct 2025 11:21
The Clive Churchill Medal, awarded to the NRL Grand Final's best player, is typically dominated by playmakers, especially halves and five-eighths. For the 2025 final between Melbourne Storm and Brisbane Broncos, Jahrome Hughes and Cam Munster are top prospects for Melbourne, while Reece Walsh and Payne Haas headline Brisbane’s hopes. Recent history indicates that the medal is rarely won by forwards or players from the losing team. The key action for punters is to focus on prominent playmakers when picking a winner.
Ryan Tucker 03 Oct 2025
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  • Clive Churchill Medal favored to playmakers, especially halves
  • Jahrome Hughes & Cam Munster (Storm), Payne Haas & Reece Walsh (Broncos) are top contenders
  • Medal almost always goes to a player from the Grand Final winning team
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cameron munster
Cameron Munster is a leading contender for the Clive Churchill Medal (Getty Images)

The Clive Churchill Medal is awarded to the player judged best on ground in the NRL Grand Final, and it’s one of the most popular betting markets of the year. 

With Melbourne Storm meeting Brisbane Broncos in 2025, the race is wide open ahead of the Grand Final.

Clive Churchill Medal Trends


Eight of the last 12 winners have been halves, halfbacks or five-eighths who touch the ball the most and dictate the play. 

Only three forwards in the past 20 years have claimed the medal, while hookers and props rarely get the nod. 

Fullbacks have had some joy, but history says the award is a playmakers’ prize. 

Importantly, only two players in recent decades have won from a losing side, highlighting that the medal almost always goes to a winner.

Melbourne Storm Contenders


  • Jahrome Hughes: The Storm double their scoring output when Hughes plays. At around $6.50, he’s instrumental to any Melbourne win and a logical choice.
  • Cam Munster: Finals big-game experience and a flair for moments of magic make Munster a huge threat. Odds around $7–8 reflect his status as one of the game’s ultimate match winners.
  • Harry Grant: A smoky at $10+, the hooker doesn’t have history on his side but controls the ruck brilliantly. If the Storm dominate the middle, Grant could sneak into contention.

Brisbane Broncos Contenders


  • Payne Haas: With a 98.5% tackle efficiency, 160+ metres per game and 70 offloads this year, Haas is the standout forward chance. If the game is a grind, he’s your man.
  • Reece Walsh: A live favourite thanks to his explosive runs and match-winning plays, Walsh has already turned games in the finals and could again be the X-factor.
  • Kotoni Staggs: A genuine smoky. With a barnstorming finish to the year and a nose for the tryline, he could steal the medal with a dominant edge performance.


Verdict

The Clive Churchill Medal is notoriously tough to predict, but trends point to halves and playmakers dominating. 

Hughes and Munster are safe plays, Haas is the forward punters’ hope, and Walsh brings star power.
Best Bet1: Jahrome Hughes Clive Churchill Medal Winner @11/2 at Hollywood bets - 1 Unit
Best Bet2: Payne Haas Clive Churchill Medal Winner @6/1 at bet365 - 1 Unit
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