Clive Churchill Medal 2024 betting tips, value picks & best odds

Who will take out the Clive Churchill Medal, awarded to the best on ground in the 2024 NRL Grand Final between the Storm and Panthers this Sunday?

Some 14 of the last 15 winners have come from the spine, which suggests this is a playmaker’s award. However, given the talent across the sides, could there be a winner from another position?

BettingSite.com.au has scoured the markets to find the best bets for the 2024 Clive Churchill Medal, with odds from the top NRL bookies.

Nathan Cleary (Panthers)

Looking to become the first three-time winner and the first player to win the medal back-to-back, Panthers halfback Nathan Cleary is the Clive Churchill favourite. Last year, the Penrith captain turned the match with a 20-minute burst to win the game, and he has consistently proved that he is one of the best players in the NRL. One concern is a lingering shoulder injury, but he has been cleared to play, so expect Cleary to play a major role.

Jahrome Hughes (Storm)

After winning the 2024 Dally M Medal on Wednesday night, a premiership and a Clive Churchill Medal would cap off a dominant year for Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes. He ranks top three in the NRL for both try and linebreak assists, while his kicking game will play a key role. Fresh off a hat-trick against the Roosters last Friday, Hughes is the form player in the NRL right now.

Cameron Munster (Storm)

Storm five-eighth Cameron Munster has been one of the best players of the finals series so far, with three tries and four linebreaks in two matches. The Queenslander is known for his performances in big games, and if he can produce some elusive runs and cutting passes, he will be in the mix should the Storm get up.

Harry Grant (Storm)

Looking to become the first hooker since 2006 to win the medal, Storm skipper Harry Grant has had a terrific finals series. In week one he scored a hat-trick against the Sharks, and then last Friday he added three try assists against the Roosters. His ball-carrying ability will play a major role, while he probably needs to score at least once to be a chance.

Dylan Edwards (Panthers)

Panthers fullback Dylan Edwards will be looking to add another Clive Churchill to his collection. He won the medal in 2022 without scoring a try, but his gutsy ball-carrying, excellent defence, and clean hands under the high ball all proved critical. If he can put together another well-rounded display in a Panthers victory, Edwards will be a real chance.

Ryan Papenhuyzen (Storm)

Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen won the Clive Churchill Medal when these sides met in the 2020 decider. He was a part of everything that day, including getting over for a try. Fresh off a double against the Roosters, Papenhuyzen brings strong form into the NRL 2024 Grand Final.

Jarome Luai (Panthers)

Heading to the Tigers next season, five-eighth Jarome Luai will be hoping to end his time at the Panthers with another premiership. He has shown his match-winning ability throughout the season, but most of it has come in the absence of Cleary. He remains a key part of the attack and will be in the mix if there is plenty of scoring down his left-hand side.

James Fisher-Harris (Panthers)

While it is unlikely for a prop to win the medal, it has been done before and James Fisher-Harris offers a great value option. He will bulldoze through the middle all day, loves an offload and barely misses a tackle. If Fisher-Harris can also get over the line in a low-scoring game, he is an outside chance at great odds with top online bookmakers.

Eliesa Katoa (Storm)

Another value selection is Storm second-rower Eliesa Katoa, who was named in the NRL Team of the Year on Wednesday night. With 12 tries this season, his combination with Hughes has been a huge reason for Melbourne’s success. He will need to score to contend for the medal, but of the Storm forwards, Katoa is certainly in the best form.

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