NRL: Blair hopes to ruin Cayless' dream

Storm prop Adam Blair has played in two losing grand finals. Photo / Getty Images

MELBOURNE - Less than 12 months ago, Melbourne prop Adam Blair shared his greatest moment in rugby league with Parramatta skipper Nathan Cayless when they held the World Cup trophy together.

But should the two Kiwi test props go head-to-head at ANZ Stadium on Sunday night fighting for the 2009 NRL premiership, there will be no sentiment.

Especially not from Blair, who has played in two of Melbourne's three recent grand finals - the two losing ones.

"I've played in two, the two we lost," said Blair.

"I'm definitely hoping it's third time lucky.

"I haven't won one so I will be doing everything I can on the night to put myself out there and put my body on the line for the team just to get that win for us."

Cayless too has tasted the bitterness of grand final defeat when the Eels were upset by Newcastle in the 2001 decider.

The Parramatta skipper remains in doubt for his second chance on Sunday with a hamstring injury, but Blair won't be using his Kiwi connection to get an insight to his rival's injury.

"Yeah I know Nathan a fair bit ... I will let him sort himself out," said Blair.

"Nathan is a big leader for them, they will be going all day and we just have to come up and meet them."

While he wishes further grand final misery on Cayless, Blair said he would always share a special bond with the 31-year-old prop after the Eel retired from test football following the World Cup triumph.

"It was just a dream to play for your country and to be there in the end and win the World Cup was just an amazing feeling," said Blair.

"And to do it with blokes you grew up with ... and to be in the team with them is just a special feeling."

- AAP