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The grand final moments that could be repeated at Suncorp Stadium

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Roar Guru
30th September, 2021
27

Scott Sattler, Sam Burgess and even Ben Hunt are just some of the names etched in grand final folklore. But let’s dig a little deeper and relive some other magic moments.

Hit the road, Jack: Cameron Munster (2018)
Back-to-back premierships are nearly as rare as cardboard corner posts. Just ask Cameron Munster.

A Roosters onslaught saw the playmaker’s night unravel in spectacular fashion. His last contribution, a sly kick to Joey Manu’s head, finished with a second trip to the sin bin. Only this time he walked off to the sounds of Hit the Road, Jack and the backing vocals of 60,000 thankful fans.

For Souths firebrand Cody Walker it’s a story Wayne Bennett is sure to repeat.

Cam Munster

Cam Munster (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

Benjamin Button: Luke Lewis (2003, 2016)
A Blacktown junior, there is speculation Luke Lewis could be the result of a backyard experiment. What other explanation is plausible?

At 20, the silky skilled winger helped the Panthers to a second title before morphing into a backrower and a Churchill Medalist in the Sharks’ maiden premiership some 13 seasons later.

From glamorous 2005 Tiger cub to revered Rabbit, could Benji Marshall be from the same mix?

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Pre-game entertainment: Billy Idol unplugged (2002)
Retrospective comedy or just plain old bad luck? The worst of Meat Loaf was once served on AFL’s biggest day while the NRL almost had Billy Idol.

In a darkened stadium the spotlights and hovercraft checked out, peroxided Pommy rocker too. “Gimme power,” he snarled. But they didn’t, and with tail between legs, off he trudged.

Now at Suncorp Stadium, it’s the Palaszczuk factor that will have this year’s act sweating on their amps. If anyone can pull the plug after one sneeze, it’s the Queensland gatekeeper.

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Black cat fear: Krisnan Inu (2009, 2011, 2012)
Gotta lose one to win one. That’ll be on the minds of Ivan Cleary’s boys after falling short last season.

It doesn’t always happen though, even three for one. Phil ‘Whatsapacketa’ Sigsworth pioneered that journey back in the 1980s.

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Then Krisnan Inu grabbed the baton with his first defeat as an Eel in 2009, then another followed with the Warriors. Surely it’s be third jumper lucky? Poor fella, another loss, this time in Canterbury colours.

Big regret: Richard Villasanti (Warriors, 2002)
A knee injury has cost Tevita Pangai Junior a jumper this weekend, but given his short fuse, it could be a blessing in disguise for Penrith.

With the 2002 decider still in the balance after an hour and the Roosters burdened by a 27-year premiership drought, Richard Villasanti had an idea.

Perhaps driving his forehead like an Exocet missile into an already grounded Brad Fitler’s skull was designed to inspire his Warriors teammates.

Unfortunately for Villasanti, English madman Adrian ‘Hitman’ Morely exploded like a firecracker. And 15 minutes later a fired-up Roosters had piled on three unanswered tries.

Steven Bradbury moment: Apisai Koroisau (Rabbitohs, 2014)
Souths won’t be on Api Koroisau’s radar this week, just like they weren’t seven years ago. That was until the judiciary scrubbed Issac Luke from the Rabbitohs’ magic day.

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Back then the Panthers schemer plugged gaps in Madge Maguire’s resurgent Rabbitohs, and after just 13 NRL matches it was thought that Round 17 was his last.

But when Luke tumbled at the final turn the young sub skated through to claim the medal.

Now, with just seven games under his belt, could Blake Taaffe be about to swoop on Latrell Mitchell’s booty?

Dig me a hole: Anthony Mundine (Dragons, 1999)
Back in the day it was Eels winger Neville Glover who, with line wide open, dropped his chips and the Eels’ first trophy. Last week George Jennings did it too. Keep your eyes on your fries boys.

It was never going to happen on Choc Mundine’s watch.

Already with one hand on the Provan-Summons, he opted to ignore two unmarked teammates before fumbling over the line. For Dragons fans the turnaround was almost as painful as witnessing Storm skipper Glenn Lazarus roll out the title-winning cartwheel.

By no means is this list complete, Roarers. Now it’s your turn.

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