The 1990s, when The Simpsons were – though they still are now – the best thing on TV, Arnold Schwarzenegger was the top action hero thanks to Terminator 2, and I was a young man growing up in Rocky playing Nintendo games and waiting for the decade to finish so I could turn 18.
There were some pretty awesome grand finals as well, so here are my top four of the decade.
4. 1990: Canberra vs Penrith
This was a classic battle with the all the big stars in Mal Menginga, Glenn Lazarus, John ‘Chicka’ Ferguson, Gary Belcher, Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley taking on Mark Geyer, Royce Simmons, Greg Alexander and Brad Fittler.
With a late start to the game, the advantage was with Canberra, as Stuart gave a long pass to get Chicka Ferguson over the line.
Stuart was awarded the Clive Churchill medal for his part in a great grand final, which gave Canberra their second title and built up to a rematch with the Panthers the following year.
3. 1992: Brisbane vs St George
I was initially going to give this one to the rematch of 1993 but as they say, you never forget your first. Brisbane were looking to obtain their first title since joining the competition in 1988 and St George were hoping to secure their first since 1979.
Unfortunately, it was a one-sided affair in the second half, as the Broncos ran away with the game. Steve Renouf’s great, individual, 95-metre effort – a try which is number one on my greatest grand final tries list – sealed the deal.
A great rematch followed, along with a decade of dominance for Brisbane, winning twice more to achieve four titles in six years.
2. 1997: Newcastle vs Manly
What a cracker this was. The match was decided in the last seven seconds of the game with that brilliant try by Darren Albert, stealing it away from the Sea Eagles.
This was the game of the decade at the time, with Manly chasing back-to-back titles and Newcastle looking for their maiden title since joining in 1988.
The Chief, Paul Harragon, led his men, a group consisting of the Johns brothers, Robbie O’Davis and Albert up against the current champs of Geoff Toohey, Cliff Lyons and Steve Menzies.
With five minutes to go it was all tied up, and could have gone into extra time, until the classic Albert try to finish the game at 22-16.
The Knights’ first title launched the career of future Immortal Andrew Johns.
1. 1999: Melbourne vs St George
This grand final made history on about ten levels, being the first for the new Victorian team, who had only joined a year earlier, and the first for the joint venture of St George Illawarra – so both teams were out to make history.
Glenn Lazarus was playing in his final game and looking to do what no player had ever done before by winning premierships with three clubs.
At the halftime break, the Dragons were up 14-0 after a brilliant, 60-metre try from Nathan Blacklock. It provided hope after a horror decade in which St George had made four grand finals and lost the lot, before being forced to merge with the Illawarra Steelers.
However, the Storm clawed their way back into the match and with three minutes to go, Craig Smith’s controversial penalty try tied things up, giving Matt Geyer a direct shot at goal – and he did not miss.
The game ended with the Storm 20-18 up, taking out their first premiership, while Lazarus celebrated his record with a cartwheel.
With all the history of this grand final and the quality of the game, this takes up my number one spot.
What is your favourite grand final of the 1990s? Look out for my next list, which will focus on the top four grand finals of the 1980s.
BigJ
Roar Guru
Thanks mate I should of put 1991 instead of 1990 the rematch was much better
Ben
Roar Guru
Not a bad list BigJ. There were some cracking Grand Finals in the 90's. Here's my list: 4. Brisbane vs St George 92' 3. Penrith vs Canberra 91' 2. Melbourne vs St George Illawarra 99' 1. Newcastle vs Manly 97'
Nat
Roar Guru
Cheers peter. That sounds interesting. I'd love to see the old North Sydney oval get another run. Sitting under the Fig watchn Matty Seers burn the sideline... good days.
peter
Guest
www.theroar.com.au/2016/02/29/gold-coast-bears-best-thing-nrl/
Nat
Roar Guru
What's the GC Bears? Did Burleigh hey an upgrade since their GF win?
peter
Guest
But the Gold Coast Bears is a regestered name now so hopfully they get it done
The Barry
Roar Guru
That's pretty intense. I knew there was a GF replay that year but not a semi final replay too. Brutal.
bigJ
Guest
copy that, ill look into those
bigJ
Guest
Nope one in the same just forgot to sign in
MAX
Guest
The ARL/NRL still have to unload The Titans. Mission Impossible.
peter
Guest
OFF TOPIC QUESTION. Gold Coast Bears ?????? Happening or what, havnt heard anything since start of the year ?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Pay on Lazarus Marc Granville on Craig Field
harambe
Guest
I'm confused, the article was by BigJ, that comment was by Bigj, and another comment replying to The Barry was by bigJ. My question now is - are you hive-mind triplet?
joe
Guest
I agree Will the 1990 & 1992 games weren't all that dramatic.Both Canberra & Brisbane in their respective games were superior to Penrith & St George.The thing that was different was Penrith came back the following season to meet Canberra again in a classic game. St George also returned for a rematch with Brisbane the following season but it was a total mismatch.Brisbane had better players & better team.Maybe 1 or 2 of St George players would have made the Brisbane team,if that.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Sounds great mate.
bigJ
Guest
when was that agaiin 1996 or 1997? ill think ill do a list which best hits or something, already have two in mind.
bigJ
Guest
That just shows are really sad you are Barry, please just give it up!!!!
bigJ
Guest
the only reason 1999 piped 1997 is that all the firsts that it acheieved otherwise 1997 would be on top.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
When I read the headline, I immediately thought : "1997, 1991, 1995 and one other...". So your list surprised me a little! I think those three are absolute stand outs. I wouldn't have 1990 or 1992 in there anywhere (while acknowledging they were won by very good teams). Probably 1999 the other one. So the top 4 are: 1997, 1991, 1995 and 1999. In that order, I reckon!
Busty McCracken
Guest
Would have thought 97 would be top of the list for sure with 91 a close 2nd for me.