League guru settles debate around greatest NRL grand final win

Contributor

Mon, 26 Sept 2022, 8:46 pm·3-min read

Manly's 40-0 win over Melbourne in 2008 is the biggest grand final margin in Australian first grade rugby league history. Pic: Getty

For more than three decades, Sydney Roosters fans proudly claimed their side's 38-0 win over St George in 1975 as the biggest win in grand final history.

Until 2008, there was no disputing the fact.

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Then along came Manly - the Sea Eagles' 40-0 victory over Melbourne in the 2008 decider putting pay to the Chooks' record.

Not so fast, said the Roosters faithful.

They were quick to point out tries were only worth three points back in '75, not four points as they are now.

Roosters fans did the sums and worked out the scoreline in the win over the Dragons would read 46-0 in today's money.

Or, if you want to apply the old three-point system, Manly's win in '08 would only stand at 32-0.

Either way, Roosters fans reckon they've got the Sea Eagles covered.

"Back in’75 tries were only worth 3 points. Do the mathematics and the record still stands," one fan wrote on a Facebook post commemorating Eastern Suburbs' grand final win 47 years ago.

"Best ever team of any club. No another NRL club will come close.

"Put the Roosters on the field they’ll show you how to play."

I once asked Steve Menzies about the debate. After all, he scored Manly's second last try in '08 in his final match in maroon and white.

Seen here, Steve Menzies crosses for the final try of his Sea Eagles career in Manly's 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne in 2008. — Steve Menzies crosses for the final try of his Sea Eagles career in Manly's 40-0 grand final win over Melbourne in 2008. Pic: Getty

"Were tries only three points back then? I didn’t know," he said with a shrug of the shoulders.

"40-0 is bigger than 38-0 so you'd have to say Manly holds the record. It's pretty clear, isn't it?"

So who's right?

NRL stats guru gives Manly the nod

Yahoo Sports Australia checked in with the official NRL stats guru Dave Middleton for his verdict.

And Middo's call is bad news for you Roosters fans.

He believes you can’t apply outdated points systems to the modern game – or today's system to previous eras - to suit your argument

"Where do you draw the line?" Middleton asked.

"For example, in the Roosters' time (in 1975) there were opportunities to kick penalty goals from scrums.

"In my view, the biggest win is the biggest win."

Sorry Roosters supporters, you might just have to concede this one.

But we're betting you don't.

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