Melbourne and Penrith faced off in the 2024 NRL decider with the two teams dominating grand final day in the last decade or so.
Panthers players have claimed the Clive Churchill Medal for four successive years during their golden premiership run, with Nathan Cleary entering rare air with his two wins.
Liam Martin became the latest recipient of the award when he starred for the Panthers in their 14-6 win over the Storm.
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Clive Churchill Medal winners: Every recipient of the award in the NRL era
Liam Martin - Panthers (2024)
All the discussion in the lead up to the repeat of the 2020 decider centred around Nathan Cleary going toe-to-toe with Melbourne's Dally M Medal winner Jahrome Hughes.
Yet Liam Martin had other ideas when he produced the best performance of his career up until that point to outshine the vast array of attacking talent out on the field.
The backrower produced some trademark hits in defence while also leading the way on kick-chase time and time again.
Martin combined with Cleary to cross for a match-turning four-pointer on the stroke of half time, before outjumping Xavier Coates to help set up the sealing try for Paul Alamoti in the second stanza.
Nathan Cleary - Panthers (2023)
Cleary ripped the medal and the premiership out of Ezra Mam's hands when he produced an incredible late cameo to drag the Panthers to a barely believable 26-24 win.
Penrith found themselves 16 points down with the clock against them after Mam had bagged a hat-trick, to leave the club's dynasty in ruins.
However, Cleary had other ideas as he crossed for the match-winning try in the final few minutes after earlier setting up another four-pointer and producing a momentum-swinging 40/20.
Dylan Edwards - Panthers (2022)
Dylan Edwards capped a stellar campaign with a dominant display during Penrith's 28-12 win over the Eels.
Brian To'o had a legitimate claim for the accolade after bagging a double and running for a game-high 299 metres.
However, Edwards was also a worthy winner as he provided a try assist and made three linebreak assists, while registering one linebreak and 291 metres from his game-high 28 carries.
Nathan Cleary - Panthers (2021)
Cleary kickstarted Penrith's golden era when he orchestrated a 14-12 win over the Rabbitohs in Brisbane.
The halfback's kicking game was a major part of his side's success on the night as he forced five dropouts, kicked for 650 metres and nailed all three of his kicks from the tee.
"It's unbelievable," Cleary said after picking up the first of his two medals to date.
"It's a lot more than just the Clive Churchill Medal, I thought a number of people could've got it from our side."
Ryan Papenhuyzen - Storm (2020)
Papenhuyzen picked up the medal after Melbourne put Penrith to the sword in the first half, before then fending off a late fightback from Ivan Cleary's side.
The No.1 crossed the stripe early in the second stanza with a dazzling solo effort to help the Storm establish what turned out to be an unassailable lead.
He churned through a game-high 210 run metres and provided a linebreak assist during the 26-20 victory.
Jack Wighton - Raiders (2019)
"The best player on the field got the award tonight," Ricky Stuart declared after Jack Wighton claimed the medal despite Canberra going down to the Roosters.
"Three legends of our game pick the award, and I think they know a little bit more than the wombats sitting behind the goal post," the Raiders coach added after the five-eighth was booed while collecting his medal.
Wighton scored his side's only try in the narrow 14-8 defeat, while also running for just shy of 100 metres.
Luke Keary - Roosters (2018)
Luke Keary famously took the reins of the side while Cooper Cronk battled through the game with a serious shoulder injury, as the Roosters eased to a 21-6 win over the Storm.
The five-eighth provided a try assist and guided his side around the park expertly to usher in a golden era for Trent Robinson's outfit.
Billy Slater - Storm (2017)
Billy Slater proved his class after bouncing back from an injury-plagued season to lead the Storm to a dominant 34-6 win over the Cowboys.
The veteran, who would retire from the game just a year later, crossed for a four-pointer in the shadows of half time, while also providing an assist and making two linebreaks.
Luke Lewis - Sharks (2016)
Luke Lewis claimed a controversial medal win during Cronulla's drought-breaking premiership win over the Storm.
The backrower produced a typically tireless display to finish with 140 run metres and 26 tackles.
But he arguably was overshadowed by Andrew Fifita's heroics, which saw him trample over five defenders on his way to scoring the pivotal try in the 14-12 win.
Johnathan Thurston - Cowboys (2015)
Johnathan Thurston produced the match-winning field goal to steal the premiership off the Broncos, who had led the game until Kyle Feldt went over in the corner with seconds left on the clock.
The Cowboys playmaker had a chance to win it from the sideline, only to see his conversion attempt bounce back off the post and force the game into extra time.
Thurston duly slotted the one-pointer over from close range to secure a dramatic 17-16 victory in one of the greatest grand finals ever.
Sam Burgess - Rabbitohs (2014)
Sam Burgess heroically battled on after suffering a broken cheekbone in the opening seconds of South Sydney's drought-breaking premiership win over the Bulldogs.
In the 30-6 victory, the English forward made 218 run metres from a game-high 22 carries, while he also made a team-high 39 tackles in a performance for the ages.
Daly Cherry-Evans - Sea Eagles (2013)
Daly Cherry-Evans was controversially awarded the medal despite the Sea Eagles going down to the Roosters 26-18.
The halfback became the first player since Brad Mackay two decades earlier to be named the player-of-the-match in a losing side during a decider, as he pipped James Maloney to the accolade.
"It has been stereotyped to a winning side, so it was a surprising moment," DCE admitted at the time.
Cooper Cronk - Storm (2012)
Melbourne claimed their first premiership since having two titles stripped from them when they secured a 14-4 win over the Bulldogs.
Cooper Cronk provided two assists during the hard-fought affair, while also providing a linebreak assist in a premiership win that Craig Bellamy later claimed was his greatest achievement in his coaching career.
Glenn Stewart - Sea Eagles (2011)
The Sea Eagles claimed their second premiership in four years as they eased to a 24-10 win over the New Zealand Warriors.
Glenn Stewart was instrumental for his side at lock as he scored a try and assisted one, while making 142 run metres and 33 tackles in a tireless 80-minute performance.
Darius Boyd - Dragons (2010)
Darius Boyd capped a stellar campaign, which saw him only narrowly miss out on the Dally M Medal, with player-of-the-match honours during the Dragons' 32-8 win over the Roosters.
The No.1 recorded one try assist and one linebreak assist to go with 122 run metres as the Red V stormed home in the second period to post 26 unanswered points.
Billy Slater - Storm (2009)
Slater won the first of his two Clive Churchill Medals after a strong display in Melbourne's 23-16 win over Parramatta for a premiership which was later stripped off the club due to salary cap breaches.
The flyer bagged a try, went for a game-high 200 run metres and busted through eight tackles, although he claimed Cronk should have received the accolade while accepting his medal at the podium.
Brent Kite – Sea Eagles (2008)
Brent Kite helped the Sea Eagles to batter the Storm 40-0 in a lopsided decider as Manly and Melbourne continued their bitter rivalry on the biggest stage.
The prop crossed for one of his side's eight tries, while making 167 run metres and 26 tackles in a barnstorming display.
Greg Inglis - Storm (2007)
Greg Inglis claimed the medal after starring in a 34-8 win over the Sea Eagles, in a premiership which was later stripped off the club.
Inglis had only made his NRL debut on the wing two years prior but was unstoppable at five-eighth as he helped himself to two tries during the rout.
Shaun Berrigan - Broncos (2006)
Shaun Berrigan capped a brilliant year which saw him take over as the full-time hooker with a strong display during Brisbane's 15-8 win over the Storm.
The No.9 finished with 134 run metres from 20 carries, while also making 22 tackles in an all-action performance.
Scott Prince - Tigers (2005)
The Tigers produced an incredible run in the finals to brush aside the Cowboys, Broncos and Dragons before meeting the Cowboys once again in the decider.
In a game which came to be defined by Benji Marshall's flick pass to Pat Richards, it was Marshall's halves partner Scott Prince who picked up the medal after helping the joint venture to a historic 30-16 victory.
Willie Mason - Bulldogs (2004)
The Bulldogs battled to a 16-12 win over the Roosters with Willie Mason producing a great performance in the middle to lead his side to the premiership.
The prop churned through a game-high 210 run metres to set the standard during his 52 minutes on the field.
Luke Priddis - Panthers (2003)
Luke Priddis was simply everywhere for Penrith in their 18-6 win over the Roosters to break a 12-year premiership drought.
The hooker crossed for a vital four-pointer, provided two assists and ran for 132 metres, while also making 47 tackles in a game which came to be remembered for Scott Sattler's try-saving tackle down the touchline.
Craig Fitzgibbon - Roosters (2002)
After previously falling short in deciders for the Dragons and Roosters, Craig Fitzgibbon finally won a premiership when his side knocked off the Warriors 30-8.
The backrower notched 14 points during the win as he crossed for a try and booted five conversions, while registering a game-high 215 run metres.
Andrew Johns - Knights (2001)
Newcastle shocked pre-game favourites Parramatta on the way to a 30-24 win as the Knights claimed their second premiership in four years.
Andrew Johns was the mastermind behind the ambush with the Immortal starring during an incredible first half which saw the Knights pile on 24 unanswered points.
Darren Lockyer - Broncos (2000)
Darren Lockyer claimed the award after lighting it up for the Broncos at fullback in their 14-6 win over the Roosters.
"Whenever you play in a grand final you just want to win first, and any individual aim comes after that," the Queensland great said at the time.
"It's a big honour and I'm over the moon, but I'd just like to share it with the rest of the guys."
Brett Kimmorley - Storm (1999)
Brett Kimmorley proved to be the difference for the Storm during their narrow 20-18 win over the Dragons to claim the club’s first premiership.
The diminutive playmaker orchestrated a stunning comeback when his side reeled in a 14-0 deficit at halftime to break the Dragons' hearts.
Kimmorley recorded two try assists during the victory, including the kick which led to the game-winning penalty try awarded to Craig Smith.
Gorden Tallis - Broncos (1998)
The Broncos cruised to a 38-12 victory over Canterbury after going the long way around to reach the decider.
Wayne Bennett’s side lost to Parramatta in the first week of finals before they recovered to put the Storm and Roosters to the sword to set up a meeting against the Bulldogs.
Gorden Tallis produced a powerful display in the decider, which included crossing the stripe in the second half, to be crowned the player-of-the-match.
What is the Clive Churchill Medal?
The Clive Churchill Medal is awarded to the player adjudged to be the best on ground on grand final day.
The medal was created to commemorate rugby league legend Clive Churchill following his death in 1985.
The winner is chosen by the Australian Kangaroos selectors and awarded before the premiership trophy ceremony.
The first recipient of the award was Peter Sterling who claimed it in the 1986 NSWRL decider for Parramatta.
Has a player ever won the Clive Churchill Medal in a losing side?
It’s incredibly rare for the medal to be handed out to a player on the losing side in the grand final.
In fact, it has only occurred on four occasions with the most recent coming in 2019 when Wighton picked up the medal while playing for Canberra in their defeat to the Roosters.
Bradley Clyde (1991), Brad Mackay (1993) and Daly Cherry-Evans (2013) have also achieved the feat.
