Top 10 Most Memorable Grand Finals - Number 7
February 27th 2011 10:35
Top 10 Most Memorable Grand Finals
Number 7
1999: Melbourne Storm vs St. George Illawarra Dragons
Secondly it was the first Grand Final appearances for both sides, with St. George-Illawarra competing in their inaugural season as a joint-venture, and Melbourne in only their second season in the NRL.
Above all of that though, this Grand Final will always be remembered for the controversial finish that saw the video referee award the Storm a penalty try in the final moments of the game.
Leading 14-0 at half-time, the Dragons were well on top. But with a formidable line-up, the Storm could never be counted out. A knock-on over the try-line by Dragons five-eighth Anthony Mundine early in the second half proved to be the turning point. From then on, Melbourne ran in two tries and winger Craig Smith kicked two penalty goals to bring the score to 18-14.
With all the momentum with the Storm, they forced the Dragons to take a line drop-out in the 77th minute and instantly went on the attack. With the Dragons defence scattered, half-back Brett Kimmorley sent a bomb high into the air to Craig Smith’s right-hand wing.
What happened next is one of the most contentious moments of all Grand Finals and one in which is always replayed. Smith successfully caught the ball on the Dragons’ unmarked wing, but upon falling to the ground, he was taken with a high-shot by scurrying winger Jamie Ainscough.
The shot forced Smith to knock the ball on and he was knocked out for two to three minutes. Sensing the severity of the situation though, referee Bill Harrigan referred the decision to video referee Chris Ward.
In a decision that is still hotly debated to this day, Ward awarded Melbourne a penalty try and in the process sunk the Dragons’ hopes of a Premiership in their first season as a merger. Heartbreakingly, the penalty-try dictated that the conversion be taken straight in front of the goal posts and not from the sideline where the try had been scored. This meant that the chance of the game going to extra time, due to a missed conversion, were dashed and Melbourne were crowned with their maiden Premiership in dramatic style.
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