Noah Rosenstein
Updated on: October 16, 2024 2:34 pm GMT
In the fast-paced world of the National Rugby League (NRL), starting strong in a grand final can be a game-changer. Historically, only six teams have failed to win the premiership after scoring first in the NRL era. This statistic has only gotten sharper in recent years, with no team winning after scoring first since the Brisbane Broncos in 2015. With the Storm and Panthers heading to the grand final, the spotlight is on who will cross the try line first.
Fastest Try Scorers in NRL Grand Finals
The race to score the opening try can set the tone for the entire match. The record for the fastest try in an NRL grand final is held by Michael De Vere of the Brisbane Broncos, who scored just two minutes into the 1998 decider. The Broncos defeated the Canterbury Bulldogs 38-12 that day. Since then, several players have come close to matching his record.
Notable Quick Try Scorers
- Bill Peden: Crossed for Newcastle in 2001 against Parramatta, scoring in the third minute.
- Justin Olam: Scored for Melbourne in 2020, also in the third minute against Penrith.
- Ryan Hoffman: Scored in the fourth minute during the Storm’s 2009 title win over the Eels.
- Corey Oates, Sam Verrills, and Mark Gasnier: Each scored in the sixth minute of their respective grand finals.
Interestingly, there have been grand finals where defenses ruled the day, leading to longer waits for the first try.
Defensive Battles
- In the 2003 grand final, Luke Rooney took 30 minutes to score the Panthers’ first try against the Sydney Roosters.
- Brett Stewart scored in the 29th minute during Manly’s victory over the New Zealand Warriors in 2011.
- Matt Ballin registered his first try against the Storm in the 2008 grand final at 23 minutes.
These instances show that while quick tries set an exciting pace, sometimes, defense can dominate early gameplay.
The Importance of the First Try
Scoring first in a grand final can significantly impact the outcome. The trend shows that teams starting strong typically maintain momentum. Experts believe the Storm-Panthers grand final will hinge on a few key factors, including who crosses the line first.
Three Key Questions Ahead of the Grand Final
- Who will score the opening try? Both teams have been known for their attacking prowess, making this question crucial.
- Which team’s defense will hold strong? A solid defense can frustrate the opposition and limit scoring chances.
- How will the Clive Churchill Medal be awarded? This honor goes to the player of the match, and experts have differing opinions on the favorites.
Clive Churchill Medal Insights
The Clive Churchill Medal is awarded to the best player on the field during the grand final. Expert opinions on potential winners vary. The winner is often a standout performer who has a significant influence on the game. Past medal winners include legends who have left their mark on the sport.
Star Performers
- Recent winners have shown that impact players often step up during crucial matches.
- Fans will be watching closely to see if either team has a player poised for a standout performance.
The grand final represents not only the culmination of a season but also a chance for players to etch their names into history. With the weight of past performances influencing current expectations, anticipation is mounting as the Storm and Panthers prepare to battle.
Conclusion
The NRL grand final is set to deliver excitement and drama, with the opening try serving as a focal point for both teams. Michael De Vere’s two-minute record stands as a reminder of the stakes, while the past decade suggests that scoring first often leads to victory. As fans eagerly await the showdown between the Storm and Panthers, all eyes will be on who crosses that line first and how it may impact the flow of the game. This year’s grand final is not just about the trophy; it’s about making history.
If you want to learn more about past NRL grand finals, check out the official NRL website.
