Was this tackle-busting effort by Eric Grothe the greatest solo try in rugby league history? Think of the context, the standard of the opposition (this was 1983, when the Bulldogs were a powerful unit) and the sheer destructiveness of the run. And then look at who ended up around his boatlaces – Steve ‘Turvy’ Mortimer, too late, but showing the others how to do it. The best individual try? Let us know your thoughts.
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simon said | March 21st 2007 @ 9:01am | Report comment
Zac, that try is pretty special. His use of the fend is superb as he switches ball to protect himself from the defence. Don’t you miss the days of the Grothe, Sterling, Kenny, Cronin backlines….
spiro said | March 21st 2007 @ 1:57pm | Report comment
It might be the best try in rugby league but it certainly could not match John Kirwan’s try against Italy for New Zealand at Eden Park in the first match of the 1987 Rugby World Cup tournament. Kirwan took the ball from a kick-off and seemd to beat virtually every Italian on the field. This has to be the best try scored in rugby.
Bob MC Gregor said | March 21st 2007 @ 2:17pm | Report comment
Zac, this is a special try but I can’t help but wonder whether he would have got past Clive Churchell or Johnny Raper at their best. Most of the attempted tackles were too high and to stop a big highly mobile man they have to take their legs out – as was evidenced by Steve Mortimer. Rod Phelps [Wallaby of 1950/60's] was also in this league as a defender.
Perhaps one of the best tries in my living memory was scored by Lomu of AB against England in 1995 RWC semi-final in Sth Afr where he waded through tackle after tackle head on. It was try of sheer power. Imagine the “fireworks” if Grothe and Lomu we lined up against each other at their best. Now that would be worth going to see!
Zac Zavos said | March 21st 2007 @ 9:59pm | Report comment
Nice call Bob. He was always so balanced…even when off-balance! Here’s some of that Lomu clip:
Dave DeBrincat said | March 23rd 2007 @ 5:21pm | Report comment
fair call Bob, although Canterbury in the mid 1980′s have been considered one of the best defensive teams of all time.
As a proud Parramatta fan, it still makes me feel good to watch this try. Although you can’t hear it, the commentary by Ray Warren is fantastic.
zolton said | March 24th 2007 @ 12:08am | Report comment
Yeah, good point Dave. As a dedicated Parra fan, you must be pining for the glory days of old – Grothe, kenny, Ella, Sterling, Cronin, Hunt, Taylor, Price. What a superb club side that was.
Hugh Dillon said | March 24th 2007 @ 12:40am | Report comment
David Campese’s try against the Barbarians in 1988 does not quite beat Kirwan’s against the Italians but came close because they were, effectively, a Lions team. His try against the All Blacks in 1991 in Dublin running across the face of the ABs mesmerising them would also be in my top few most memorable tries. Blanco’s amazing 100 m try against Australia in 1992(?) would also rank among the top few individual tries of all time.
patrick said | June 7th 2007 @ 1:32am | Report comment
Zolton you champion this is a classic, where did you get hold of this footage? I remember this try my ole man use to have a tape of this game years back (it finally died from overuse) and almost every grandfinal day we use to sit down and watch some old games, and that game was one of the most exciting games,because these two teams were the best of their era it was a major preliminary semifinal, on channel10 i think it was even called the rank arena big game from memory, and yes rabbitts warren was in full cry absolutley loving it!, I rekon it is the best solo try ever scored,but this was eric grothe,the man was a machine and he scored alot more very similar to that special try,what a fend/palm perfect balance, the ability to change the ball from arm to arm and the strength legandary stuff the only other try I can remember that was just as exciting was Steve Jacksons effort for the raiders in that classic Grandy…. PS where can I get a copy of the complete game any ideas willing to pay….
patrick said | June 7th 2007 @ 10:43am | Report comment
yeah that lomu try was not bad but the second player really ankle tapped him and really was no threat,but that last guy geez how did he get up? it was like a runaway freight train, it was a pure display of running size and power