THE GREAT RUGBY LEAGUE GRAND FINALS
GRAND FINAL DAY has been a much beloved day on the calendar for rugby league fans. Traditionally the occasion was the ideal time to have a barbecue lunch with family and friends before watching the match in the afternoon. As with many things in sport and society, however, commercial and corporate demands prompt change.
One of many notable changes has been the staging of grand finals at night (inaugurated in 2001). Television ratings have remained strong regardless of the timeslot. The competition has also transformed, having been the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL), then the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL), then the Australian Rugby League (ARL), and then the National Rugby League (NRL), while “Super League” existed for one year.
With grand finals having only become permanent in 1954 after appearing sporadically beforehand, in The Great Grand Finals, I have summarised the years from 1908 to 1953 before going into a more detailed account of each decider since 1954. The glory, the bitter taste of defeat, the players, the controversies and the key moments in each game remain an intoxicating mix. The game has changed in so many ways since I began following rugby league, not to mention its evolution in the years beforehand.
Numerous rule changes with scrums and other components have been particularly noticeable, as have the changes since the limited tackle rule was introduced. Clampdowns on violent play and dangerous play have also transformed rugby league, not to mention interpretations of infringements and what was accepted or otherwise. Of course, tactics and game plans have also changed over time.
Reputations are forged, and certain incidents and highlights are repeatedly mentioned in
