Maybe it was the war of words leading up to the game, perhaps the extra game they played, or perhaps it was Manly's superb defence. Whatever the reason, Manly proved they were the best side in the NRL, winning the Grand Final 40-0.

The first repeat Grand Final since 1993, the highest scoring Grand Final since 1952, the first time a team was held scoreless in the Grand Final since 1978, these were just some of the unusual occurrences in what was a fitting end to the 2008 NRL season.

Right from the outset, Manly looked the more dominant team, their forwards making more metres, their kicks looking more dangerous. But Melbourne hung tough for a while, threatening the Manly line on a couple of occcasions, only to be denied by a wall-like defence.

But with winger Michael Robertson picking up a hat-trick, and departing cult hero Steven Menzies scoring a try in the dying minutes, this was always Manly's night as the Storm wilted under the intense pressure.

And what a difference a year makes - in 2007 these two teams met for the NRL's ultimate prize and it was Melbourne who romped home. Many of the Manly players were able to exorcise that demon this year, particularly captain Matt Orford, who turned in an inspired performance to lead his team to glory.

Unfortunately for the defending champions, the off-field distractions and being forced to play an extra game proved to be their undoing. After losing in the final seconds of their opening playoff game to the Warriors, the Storm had to travel to Brisbane where they needed some last-second heroics to keep their season alive. And, while they dealt with a self-destructing Sharks team last week, on-form Manly were just one mountain too many.

Despite the scoreline, this was an enthralling game with so many moments for fans of both teams to treasure. The high-flying catch from Storm fullback Billy Slater early on in the game will remain one of the highlights of the year, while the battle between centres Steve Matai and Israel Falou fascinated as both showed why they are among the best in the game.

While Manly's attack was electrifying, on the back of some stellar work from their forwards, their defence is what has won them this Premiership. They conceded just 12 points in three finals outings and kept the league's best attacking team scoreless on the game's biggest stage.

As NRL fans look back on the season that was, it is hard to argue that this was not the Grand Final 2008 deserved, as both teams finished level at the top of the table, separated only by points difference, and played out a game that, while not a classic, was certainly worthy of a Grand Final.

Now rugby league fans shift their focus from club to country as the Rugby League World Cup kicks off at the end of October, providing fans with just a little bit more of the game they love.