2000 NRL Grand Final
| Company type | Sporting event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Rugby league |
| Founded | 2000 |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Wayne Bennett (Brisbane Broncos coach), Kevin Walters (Brisbane Broncos captain), Graham Murray (Sydney Roosters coach), Brad Fittler (Sydney Roosters captain) |
| Products | Rugby league match |
| Website | www |
The 2000 NRL Grand Final served as the conclusive game of the 2000 NRL season, featuring the Brisbane Broncos, who finished at the top of the ladder, against the Sydney Roosters, who secured second place. Brisbane entered the contest as the clear favourites, having maintained the lead since round 4 and making their fifth grand final appearance within a span of nine years. Meanwhile, the Roosters reached their first grand final in two decades. The event attracted an audience of 94,277 spectators, ranking as the third-largest crowd for an Australian rugby league fixture. Significantly, this final marked the inaugural presentation of the Clive Churchill Medal on a neck ribbon instead of within a display case.
Background
The 2000 NRL season represented the 93rd season of professional rugby league in Australia and was the third season conducted under the National Rugby League banner. Fourteen teams competed from February through August to claim the minor premiership, with the top eight teams advancing to the finals series that culminated in the grand final. The season’s schedule was shifted forward by one month due to the Sydney-hosted 2000 Summer Olympics held in September.
Brisbane Broncos
The 2000 Brisbane Broncos season was the club’s thirteenth campaign. Led by coach Wayne Bennett and captain Kevin Walters, they finished first among fourteen teams, securing their fourth minor premiership. The Broncos advanced to their fifth grand final after winning two finals matches against 8th-ranked Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks and 7th-ranked Parramatta Eels.
Sydney Roosters
The 2000 Sydney Roosters season marked the club’s 93rd year in competition. Coached by Graham Murray and captained by Brad Fittler, they concluded the regular season in second place out of fourteen teams. Despite an initial loss in the finals, the Roosters bounced back with two successive victories to reach their 18th grand final appearance.
Teams
Brisbane entered the match facing several injury concerns: Shane Webcke competed despite a broken arm, Tonie Carroll was doubtful, and Darren Lockyer was unwell. Sydney’s forward Luke Ricketson remained uncertain until game day due to a hamstring issue.
First half
In the third minute, Sydney nearly secured an early try when centre Shannon Hegarty crossed over, but strong defensive efforts from Brisbane fullback Darren Lockyer prevented the score. The Broncos opened their account with a penalty goal by centre Michael De Vere in the 12th minute, followed by winger Lote Tuqiri scoring a try four minutes later, which De Vere successfully converted to establish an 8–0 lead. De Vere extended Brisbane’s advantage with another penalty goal in the 27th minute, pushing the score to 10–0. Sydney replied with a penalty goal from fullback Luke Phillips in the 35th minute, narrowing the margin to 10–2 at halftime.
Second half
Shortly after halftime, Broncos five-eighth Ben Ikin had to leave the field due to a late hit and missed approximately twenty minutes of play. Brisbane failed to capitalize on a penalty goal attempt by De Vere but increased their lead to 14–2 when Wendell Sailor scored in the 56th minute; however, De Vere’s sideline conversion was unsuccessful. Sydney’s back-rower Craig Fitzgibbon crossed for their sole try in the 71st minute, though his conversion attempt fell just short, resulting in a final score of 14–6.
Scoreboard
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