During this blackout period of no NRL games, I am really enjoying Channel 9’s current program The Greatest NRL Grand Finals. The 10 Grand Finals matches that they are showing are seriously fantastic games. Spanning 10 of the best between 1989 (Raiders vs Tigers) through to 2016 (Sharks vs Storm).
Got me thinking…. what was my greatest grand final ? Being a diehard Dragons fan, 2010 came to mind as it broke a losing streak of 5 runner up titles in 1999 (as STI), 1996, 1993, 1992 and 1985.
But I cannot go past 1977 (OK – I’m an old dude) – Parramatta Eels (Minor premiers) vs St George Dragons (known as “Bath’s Babes). NB – Parramatta had all 3 teams featuring in the grand finals that year – Under 23’s, Reserve grade and the 1st’ team.
It was the 17 September 1977 and coincidentally my 12th birthday. Dad woke me at 7am to give me my present – 2 tickets to the SCG. We were at the ground by 9am. Come kick off there were 65,959 in the ground – the third largest grand final crowd in history (at the time). There was not a spare patch of ground anywhere and there were even people on the roof of the Sydney Showgrounds watching the game.
In my eyes, St George boasted one of the biggest and toughest forward packs I have seen to this very day. But Parramatta also had a very formidable pack, with the likes of Geoff Gerard, Ray Higgs, Ray Price (dual international aka “Mr Perpetual Motion”), Ron Hilditch and Fitzgerald coming off the bench !
I’m not going to waffle on about the “blow by blow” plays of the match, but probably the highlight of the match was “Lord” Ted Goodwins try in the first half. If you haven’t seen it watch this …. www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CYvdq5L-z4
Teddie played NO further part in the game (obviously) – he was in Disneyland (and later admitted he had no recollection of the game).
To cut to the chase, after 80 minutes, the scores was 9 all. For the first time in history, the NSW RFL grand final was forced into 20 minutes of extra time.
St. George had 3 unsuccessful shot for field goal and 1 penalty goal (two of these attempts hit the upright). Mick Cronin, who had kicked a record 26 straight goals during the season, also missed the chance to win the game.
After 100 minutes the scores were still locked at 9-all. The players initially appeared confused, then began shaking hands. The ground announcer advised that a replay would be required.
The match was described by one critic as ‘the game of the century’. This was a bold claim but it was undoubtedly a brave effort by both sides and a ground-breaking match in Australian rugby league history.
NB – The replay was played the following Thursday where St George prevailed 22 – 0.
Trivia – During the pre-season Parramatta forward Graham Olling made headlines when he became the first rugby league player to admit to taking anabolic steroids which at the time were not illegal in the sport.
The 1979 Dragons v Bulldogs Grand Final was the 1st Rugby League game I watched as a kid. Albeit from the comfort of the lounge room floor.
I remember the Dragons leading easily before the Bulldogs fought back but ultimately the Dragons won their 15th Premiership 17-13. I was hooked. Started buying footy cards, watching games live, or on TV, or listening to the broadcast on the radio. As a 10 year old, I had no idea it would be 31 years before I witnessed that again.
I remember the match was on a Saturday afternoon so really enjoyed going through the Sunday newspapers the next morning. Incidentally, Canterbury legend Peter Mortimer was my student teacher at the time. He claimed they were robbed by a forward pass.
I was in the old Sheridan Stand for that game. All bar 2 of the points were scored at the other end of the field (aka Paddington end). “The Skull” was at the back of the same stand (he hadn’t been banned from the SCG at that stage) belting out his St George chants and rousing the crowd. But my favorite memory from that day, was after the presentation during the lap of honour. Harry Bath saw me in the almost empty stand with my St George flag and waved at me.