Over the years, the NRL has given its supporters some incredible moments, with unimaginable tries, powerful bounces, and exceptional performances from individuals or teams.
For those looking at the future winnings of the NRL when betting, then Neds will keep you updated on everything. But as we get excited for the coming seasons, let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most historic moments from the NRL.
Top 7 Historic Moments From The NRL
With the level of competition in the NRL these days, the bar is set pretty high for teams or players to make their mark in NRL history. But some have exceeded this standard ten times over. Here are ten memorable moments in the NRL:
- Thurston Field Goal in 2015
At number one, Jonathan Thurston wowed the stadium with a stunning play against the Broncos, who led 16-12 with 15 seconds left in the game. Forcing his way through two defenders, Thurston passed the ball to Morgan, who moved across the field, eventually giving the ball to the winger Kyle Feldt, who converted the try.
- Benji’s Flick Pass in 2005
In 2005, Benji Marshell showed his creativity by performing a perfect behind-the-back flick pass to his winger, Pat Richards, who scored one of the most iconic tries for the Tigers, winning them the game. The play went as follows: the game was Tigers vs Cowboys, with scores of 6-6 35 minutes in. Benji took the ball from his own five-meter line, beating three attackers before needing to pass; he then flicked the pass behind to his winger, who converted the try.
- Raiders 6 in 2019
Games don’t always go as planned for some. In 2019, this rang true for Ricky Stuart. The Canberra and Roosters were locked in at 8-8 in the 71st minute of their game. The Rooster fullback, James Tedesco, got called for dropping a bomb which led the ref, Ben Cummings, to call “six again”, giving the ball to Canberra hooker Josh Hodgson. Later, this call was changed to the fifth tackle.
Hodgson passed to Guler, who offloaded to Wighton, who took the tackle. Wighton contested the call, saying that Cummings motioned for six again but wasn’t heard. The next play led to the Roosters performing a full-field run, and this was followed by a winning try from the Roosters.
- Sattler’s tackle in 2003
There are some pretty impressive tackles in the NRL. But Sattler’s tackle stands out among the rest. In the decider versus the Roosters, Sattler chased down the Roosters’ winger, Todd Bryne, tackling him just before the try line and saving the team from losing that try.
- Burgess’ broken jaw in 2014
Imagine just functioning on a day-to-day basis with a broken jaw. Well, Sam Burgress shattered his cheekbone in a head clash with Bulldogs skipper James Graham and kept playing. He didn’t only just finish the game but finished with 207 metres from 22 runs to go with two tackle busts, three offloads and 31 tackles. What an exemplary performance from someone playing the whole time with a broken jaw!
- Fifita’s try as sharks break the drought in 2016
In 2016, it had been years since the Sharks won a premiership. But it was clear 2016 was the year for them to break the drought, with Andrew Fifita helping the team come to a nail-biting victory over the Strom. With 10 minutes to play, Storm led 12-8.
Fifita missioned through 5 Storm players, carrying them over the try line directly under the polls, making for an easy kick for James Maloney, who converted the kick, giving the Sharks a two-point lead by the end of the game.
- Storms penalty try in 1999
In 1999, the Dragons were a favourite, leading their game against the Stormers 14-0. As the game progressed, the Storm made a comeback with tries from Martine and Roarty, bringing the score to 18-14 with five minutes left of the game. The Dragon’s centre cost them the game by performing a dangerous tackle on Smith, leading to a penalty try awarded to Storm, which Matt Geyer converted, thrusting the Storm into a 20-18 lead.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at some of the most historic moments in the NRL creates an expectancy for the games to come. As we follow the NRL seasons in the future, let’s pay attention to the great players of the past and look forward to more great moments coming in the future.
