The television ratings numbers for the NRL grand final were notable not for how many watched the grand final, but the two people who did not.

In a house in Brisbane, the television of Melbourne rookie Israel Folau's parents was switched off, as the Mormons chose the Sabbath over the Storm on their son's grand day. The rookie of the year revealed yesterday his Mormon parents did not watch Melbourne's 34-8 win over Manly because it fell on a Sunday.

"I wasn't too shocked about that," Folau said. "It's something that our family believes in - religion. So I wasn't too worried about that. But I told them the result after the game. They were all happy - Mum was in tears."

While his parents' decision was not unexpected, Folau's rise this season certainly has been. The 18-year-old began the season hoping for a solitary start in first grade, but ended it with 27 games, 21 tries, and a premiership ring. All from someone whose surname wasn't even spelt properly by club officials for weeks after his debut.

"Obviously at the start of the year, I didn't have too many expectations, but to play out the whole year, and to get a premiership in my first year, is unbelievable," Folau said.

There is still the question of whether Folau himself will chose religion over rugby league, with a two-year Mormon mission after his contract expires at the end of next season still a prospect.

"I'm still thinking about it," Folau said. "Obviously I want to re-sign with the Storm, and stay in Melbourne as long as I can under [coach] Craig [Bellamy]."