Sydney Roosters will return to the NRL Grand Final to defend their title after beating minor premiers Melbourne Storm 14-6 in a fierce contest on Saturday.

In a rematch of last year's final, the tone was set after just seconds with a pair of yellow cards for an early confrontation at Sydney Cricket Ground.

But the Roosters quickly got in front and never let their lead slip, scoring crucial tries through Boyd Cordner and James Tedesco and battling bravely at the other end.

Sydney will chase a 15th title against a man who took them to three Grand Finals, with Ricky Stuart back in the season decider with the Canberra Raiders for the first time since losing with the Roosters in 2004.

And this year's final match will come 17 years to the day since Stuart and Sydney won together in 2002.

For the Storm, attention will now turn to the future of the great Cameron Smith, who is said to be undecided amid talk of retirement.

We are off to the NRL GRAND FINAL! #EastsToWin #NRLRoostersStorm pic.twitter.com/Ixmnbe3MIw
— Sydney Roosters (@sydneyroosters) September 28, 2019

A fast and furious start incredibly saw a player from either side sent to the sin bin within the opening minute.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona appeared to twice swing at Siosiua Taukeiaho, prompting an understandably furious reaction that saw both props shown yellow cards as Latrell Mitchell's boot supplied the first points.

The Roosters came under intense pressure but responded superbly, with Daniel Tupou towering over his opponent to claim a high kick and then holding off three Melbourne players to offload to Cordner to touch down.

Jahrome Hughes then appeared to be guilty of a professional foul when he stopped Tedesco scoring late in the half, but Sydney settled for a penalty, dispatched by Mitchell.

Asofa-Solomona made a rather more positive impact at the start of the second period, though, powering through to score after an extended spell of Storm pressure.

The Roosters were clinging on and their hopes were hit further when Tedesco was controversially deemed to have knocked on to Joseph Manu, whose score was therefore disallowed.

But Tedesco made amends and scored himself with 12 minutes remaining, with Mitchell's conversion crucially moving Sydney eight points in front to seal victory.