Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll: Canberra’s 1989 win over Balmain tops the list of top five rugby league grand finals

Mark ‘Spudd’ Carroll
The Nightly
The stage is now set for an epic NRL Grand Final, and we recap an unforgettable AFL decider.

Everyone loves grand finals… except maybe the poor old Sydney Swans.

As we all get excited about what’s coming up between the Panthers and Storm, I’ve decided to put together my top five grand finals.

I wanted to have the 1996 decider at number one, but my editor blocked me. Apparently because I was part of the winning Manly team that makes me biased!

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So, I’m not including any of the three grand finals I played in - which at least means I don’t have to talk about that bloody win by Newcastle in ’97.

Here we go:

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 22: Brett Kenny, Peter Wynn and Eric Grothe watch on before kick off during the round 6 NRL match between the Parramatta Eels and Wests Tigers at Bankwest Stadium on April 22, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
Eels greats Brett Kenny, Peter Wynn and Eric Grothe. Credit: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

5. 1981: PARRAMATTA 20 NEWTOWN 11

The Eels’ first premiership and two tries to the great Brett Kenny. The fans ‘celebrated’ by burning down their home ground, Cumberland Oval. I pinched a fence paling from their final home game, knowing it was going to eventually be redeveloped.

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St George Dragons v Melbourne Storm at Stadium Aussie. Storm Captain Glenn Lazarus with the trophy
Storm Captain Glenn Lazarus with the 1999 NRL trophy. Credit: Andy Zakeli AZZ/19990926:003.005:

4. 1999: MELBOURNE 20 ST GEORGE ILLAWARRA 18

Decided by a rare penalty try in the final seconds. Referee Bill Harrigan made a brave call – I wish a few of the modern refs would back themselves in the same way.

3. 2015: NORTH QUEENSLAND 17 BRISBANE 16

The first golden point Grand Final and what an epic. I took a poorly timed trip to the bathroom and heard the roars when Ben Hunt dropped the kick-off in extra-time. I came out to see Johnathan Thurston kick the winning field goal. Unbelievable.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 01: Panthers celebrate with the trophy during the 2023 NRL Grand Final match between Penrith Panthers and Brisbane Broncos at Accor Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
The 2023 champion Panthers. Credit: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

2. 2023: PENRITH 26 BRISBANE 24

The Broncos thought they were home. Esra Mam scored an incredible hat-trick to put them ahead by 16 points. But the Panthers are never done, and Nathan Cleary made it three titles on the trot with 10 minutes of perfection.

The Canberra Raiders dynasty started with the famous 1989 win.
The Canberra Raiders dynasty started with the famous 1989 win. Credit: Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

1. 1989: CANBERRA 19 BALMAIN 14

The first extra-time Grand Final ever played and a maiden premiership for the Raiders, thanks to an amazing solo try from bench forward Steve Jackson.

So many heart-breaking moments for the Tigers, like Benny Elias’ field goal attempt that hits the crossbar. Then Blocker Roach and Paul Sironen are replaced by the coach – that was the game-changer.

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Revolting. Despicable. Disgusting. Why anniversary rallies must be banned.