GRAND FINAL GREATNESS

In his latest book, The Great Grand Finals, experienced sports journalist Liam Hauser covers over 60 rugby league grand finals, highlighting all the champion teams, the great players and historic moments. And to celebrate the NRL GF this month, in this edited extract he takes us through one of the most memorable, and possibly greatest, in the history of the game the 1989 NSWRL grand final long before golden point came into play...

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BALMAIN TIGERS vs CANBERRA RAIDERS

SYDNEY FOOTBALL STADIUM: SEPTEMBER 24, 1989

Canberra’s quest for its maiden premiership, coupled with Balmain seeking its first title in 20 years and not wanting back-to-back grand final defeats, suggested the 1989 grand final would be eye-catching. Little did anyone know that it would be described as arguably the best ever rugby league grand final. It was intriguing enough that Balmain had come third and Canberra fourth, with minor premier Souths and the second-placed Penrith not managing any victories in the playoffs.

After Cronulla convincingly beat Brisbane in a play-off for fifth, the Tigers and Raiders were the only victorious teams in the remaining five finals before the decider. Balmain required two victories while Canberra needed to win three consecutive do-or-die matches, after winning its last five matches in the round-robin season. Canberra had eight players backing up from the 1987 decider, with Mal Meninga having replaced Dean Lance as captain while Tim Sheens had taken over as coach in 1988. Canberra’s John Ferguson had also been in a losing grand final: with Newtown in 1981.

Balmain had 10 players backing up from the 1988 decider, while the 1989 squad also included former Canterbury premiership winner Steve O’Brien. One of Balmain’s first time grand finalists was 19-year-old centre Tim Brasher, while Canberra’s team included 19-year-old Bradley Clyde and 20-year-old Laurie Daley both of whom played State of Origin earlier in the year. The Tigers paid for going a little over the top in the first seven minutes as they were penalised three times, with Steve Roach and Gary Freeman punished for roughing up in tackles.