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Message: [QUOTE="Broncoman, post: 2628888, member: 7803"] [B]2002 Grand Final, Sydney Roosters V New Zealand Warriors, 6th October 2002 [/B]Lead by the captaincy by Brad Fittler and on the back of a hard and challenging run through the finals the Sydney Roosters ended their 27 year premiership drought with a 30-8 victory over the New Zealand Warriors who were contesting their first Grand Final. Unlike the other Grand Finals I've reviewed this was a pretty unmemorable game as the Roosters won resoundingly but took 60 minutes to lift their game and put away a Warriors outfit that relied on the efforts of Stacey Jones to give them chances. [B]1st half; [/B]Both sides showed their intentions early on as they both spread the ball wide and looked to attack but it worked better for the Roosters as they found ground a lot easier than the Warriors who relied on individual brilliance to make meters. After a couple of near misses and a disallowed try to Minichiello the Roosters got on the board 23 minutes in. After a strong charge from Fittler inside their 10 meter line that got them near halfway, Minichiello, Fletcher and Mullins combined to send Hegarty over to score near the posts, Fitzgibbon converted and the Roosters lead 6-0. The Warriors got on the board thanks to a goal from Ivan Cleary 10 minutes before the break and the Warriors almost got a try on the stroke of halftime as a kick to space from Jones sent Phillips and Meli in a desperate race for the ball which Phillips won and batted the ball out. Poor execution also let down the Roosters as they dropped the ball in dangerous situations whilst front on defence stopped the Warriors from making progress and some brave defence from Phillips also played a part. [B]2nd half; [/B]The Warriors desperate to score first snatched the lead 4 minutes after the break thanks to a wonderful try from Jones. Taking a pass from Marsh inside the Roosters 30 and 40 meter line Jones dummied and stepped passed 5 defenders to score a fantastic individual try. Cleary converted and the Warriors were in front. The Roosters maintained their composure as a 40/20 from Fittler in the 53rd minute got them a chance which they took as Craig Wing went over to score on the 3rd tackle. The game turning moment came soon after as Koopu knocked down Fittler legally after Fittler feigned a kick, Fittler was opened up as Villasanti head butted him after Harrigan blew his whistle but he ruled a knock on instead of a penalty. After this the Roosters game lifted as they went on to run away with the game and put away the Warriors as Fitzgibbon, Flannery and Fletcher scored tries which were all converted by Fitzgibbon giving them a resounding 30-8 victory and their 12the premiership. [B]Notes [/B]- This was a pretty unmemorable game with very few highlights despite the try from Jones and the Roosters tries. The Warriors really relied on the skill of Jones to give them chances and to trouble the Roosters which he did but he couldn't beat the Roosters all on his own. Jones was a superb player and was easily the Warriors best on the night. - I see similarities with this Warriors side and now. They love to attack but make poor decisions on when to and make bad mistakes with the ball inside their own half. - I remember reading a comment from Brad Fittler last year that he believed that the current Roosters side would knock over the 2002 one. I actually would back the current Roosters side over this one the current one looks a lot better drilled and would've had this game won well before the 60th minute. - Richard Villasanti is seen as a villain for his head butt on Fittler which was undoubtedly the turning point of the game. Wouldn't say it won the Roosters the game but it certainly fired them up and especially Morely. I asked a friend who's a Warriors fan and remembers this game but she didn't blame Villa for the loss. - Fitzgibbon won the CCM award after a tireless display and a flawless kicking record but I feel Fittler was more entitled to it. Played a part in 3 tries, captained the team superbly and played a part in lifting them. Fittler was all time great and will always will be favourite of mine so there is bias here. - Ricky Stuart became one of the few coaches to win a premiership in his first year of senior first grade coaching. [MENTION=8215]Morkel[/MENTION] did you buy him a beer after the game? :) [B]Sydney Roosters 30: [/B]Tries by Shannon Hegarty, Craig Wing, Criag Fitzgibbon, Chris Flannery and Bryan Fletcher, 5 goals by Fitzgibbon. [B]New Zealand Warriors 8: [/B]Try by Stacey Jones and 2 goals by Ivan Cleary [B]Sydney Roosters [/B]1: Luke Phillips 2: Brett Mullins 3: Shannon Hegarty 4: Justin Hodges 5: Anthony Minichiello 6: Brad Fittler (captain) 7: Craig Wing 8: Jason Cayless 9: Simon Bonetti 10: Peter Cusack 11: Adrian Morely 12: Craig Fitzgibbon 13: Luke Ricketson 14: Chris Flannery 15: Bryan Fletcher 16: Michael Crocker 17: Andrew Lomu Coach: Ricky Stuart [B]New Zealand Warriors [/B]1: Ivan Cleary 2: Justin Murphy 3: John Carlaw 4: Clinton Toopi 5: Francis Meli 6: Motu Tony 7: Stacey Jones (captain) 8: Jerry Seu Seu 9: PJ Marsh 10: Mark Tookey 11: Ali Lauiti'iti 12: Awaen Guttenbiel 13: Kevin Campion 14: Lance Hohaia 15: Logan Swann 16: Wairangi Koopu 17: Richard Villasanti Coach: Daniel Anderson [/QUOTE]

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