2004 NRL Grand Final
| Industry | Sports event |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2004 |
| Products | Rugby league match |
The 2004 NRL Grand Final determined the championship winner of the 2004 NRL season. It featured the two highest-ranked teams from the regular season: the minor premiers Sydney Roosters and the runners-up Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. After both sides overcame other top-eight opponents during the finals series, they faced each other in the grand final for the first time since 1980.
Background
For the second consecutive year, the NRL grand final was contested by two Sydney-based clubs.
Sydney Roosters
In 2004, the Roosters claimed the minor premiership and advanced to their third straight grand final—and fourth in five years—by defeating the Canberra Raiders (38–12) and North Queensland Cowboys (19–16) in finals matches.
Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs
The Bulldogs finished second on the regular season ladder. Although they lost their opening finals game to North Queensland Cowboys (22–30), they rebounded strongly with victories over Melbourne Storm (43–18) and Penrith Panthers (30–14), securing a spot in their first grand final since 1998.
Teams
Both teams faced significant player absences. Roosters forward Luke Ricketson was sidelined for three games following a striking charge in the preliminary final, whereas centre Justin Hodges avoided suspension. Chris Flannery participated off the bench despite recently undergoing surgery for a ruptured testicle. This match also marked the final first-grade appearance for former Australian captain Brad Fittler.
Bulldogs captain Steve Price was ruled out of the grand final due to a knee injury sustained in the preliminary final, with Andrew Ryan stepping up as captain in his absence.
Match details
Pre-game entertainment included performances by Chris Isaak and Australian rock group Grinspoon.
First half
Sydney initiated scoring after 13 minutes when Chris Walker crossed for a try, followed by a successful conversion from Craig Fitzgibbon, giving them a 6–0 advantage. The Bulldogs responded through winger Matt Utai, who scored a try; however, Hazem El Masri missed the conversion, bringing the score to 6–4. El Masri then evened the tally at 6–6 with a penalty goal. Shortly thereafter, Brett Finch slotted a field goal to push Sydney ahead 7–6. Around the 32nd minute, Anthony Tupou broke through for 30 metres before passing to Anthony Minichiello, who scored beneath the posts; Fitzgibbon's conversion extended Sydney’s lead to 13–6. A potential second try by Minichiello just before halftime was disallowed due to obstruction.
Second half
Within two minutes of resumption, Utai scored his second try, and El Masri converted, closing Canterbury’s deficit to one point at 13–12. In the 53rd minute, El Masri crossed for another try, which was confirmed by video referee despite protests; although he narrowly missed the conversion, this gave Canterbury a 16–13 lead. In the dying moments of the match, Sydney’s Michael Crocker made a break but was stopped by Bulldogs captain Andrew Ryan, resulting in a turnover that sealed Canterbury’s eighth premiership title.
This game was unique in 2004 as it was the only occasion where Sydney lost after leading at halftime.
Match summary
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