RUNNERS-UP in 1988 after an extraordinary run from a fifth-place playoff, Balmain qualified for a second-straight grand final with more conviction the following season, finishing third before disposing of Penrith and minor premiers South Sydney.
The Tigers had the game’s premier coach, Warren Ryan, and a dynamic forward pack featuring five internationals. A 20-year title drought was widely tipped to end with victory over Tim Sheens-coached Canberra, a brilliant-but-streaky outfit that won eight-straight on their way to the decider.
A sporting masterpiece unfolded over 100 minutes at the Sydney Football Stadium.
“Thrilling open football, some remarkable tries, a finish that you couldn’t have scripted any better,” Graeme Hughes, who shared the commentary duties with the late Rex Mossop, reminisces for Big League.
“It had everything. There were stars all over…