Stopped dead: Roosters big man Sam Moa is going nowhere. Photo: Getty Images

The Roosters' forward pack had been their strength on their way to 12 consecutive wins. However, they were outgunned by a tenacious Melbourne side. The Roosters have benefited from a power game with forwards such as Sam Moa, Dylan Napa and Kane Evans charging through opposition players. Their go forward has allowed halves Jackson Hastings and James Maloney to play off the back of that. On Friday hooker Jake Friend had little chance to scheme around the ruck as they struggled for quick play the balls.

2. Jackson Hastings is a natural footballer

One to watch: Jackson Hastings on the charge for the Roosters. Photo: Getty Images

Hastings continues to mature into the role of starting half. It is a role he will assume next season when James Maloney joins the Sharks. What the Roosters have in Hastings is a natural rugby league player, someone who has great game awareness. Under pressure he grubbered purposely into the ground to ensure the ball would bounce, only for Michael Jennings to fumble over the try line. At the other end of the field, he pre-empted a Cameron Smith dummy half grubber.  He then laid on a classy cross field kick for Shaun Kenny-Dowall's try.

3. Storm show variety 

Threat: Cameron Munster of the Storm. Photo: Getty Images

Heading into the game, the Storm were the most conservative team in the NRL. They threw the fewest off-loads and made the most dummy half runs. However, they altered their attacking structure slightly on Friday night. There was a variety in their block plays which allowed them to isolate the Roosters' outside backs more than they would have been prepared for.

4. Michael Jennings v Will Chambers

Unlucky: Michael Jennings of the Roosters was impressive but on the losing side. Photo: Getty Images

These two have emerged as the form centres in the game. It was an epic battle as the speed and evasion skills of Jennings squared up against the power and defensive game of Chambers. Jennings was given plenty of early ball and threatened to get on the outside of Chambers on a handful of occasions, only for the Storm man to cut him down. However, the one time Chambers allowed Jennings to get on the outside led to points.

5. The Storm are brave

Job done: Melbourne Storm players embarace at full time in Sydney. Photo: Getty Images

Finishing with just 15 players, the Storm showed how tough they are. Remarkably, it was the Storm's first finals win since clinching the 2012 premiership. Cameron Smith and Cooper Cronk guided their team and controlled the tempo of the match. They will enjoy the week off, allowing them to rest their battered bodies and hope Marika Koroibete (cut Achilles) and Jordan McCLean (knee) recover in time to play the preliminary final.