Brisbane Broncos 1989

[Big Pete]

Credit to David Middleton.

 

[Big Pete]

Round 1

BRISBANE 28; PENRITH 8 at Lang Park

The Broncos were ruthless and precise in their 28-8 dispatch of the Penrith at Lang Park, and confirmed their position as early premiership favourites.


In the first half they were presented with three chances – and scored three tries.

At the break it was 14-0 and the match was in the bag. Centre Chris Johns and ex-centre Gene Miles were the Broncos’ destroyers. Johns was in slashing form as a replacement for injured Test centre Peter Jackson, while Miles proved his transformation to the second row was complete.

Penrith claimed they didn’t play poorly, despite the lop-sided scoreline. They missed second-row partners John Cartwright and Mark Geyer for the match, but were simply no match for the rampaging Broncos.

Brisbane finished with six tries to Penrith’s two – a convincing opening to their premiership campaign.

Brisbane Broncos 28 (Graving 2, Kilroy, Langer, Hancock, Backo tries; French 2 goals) defeated Penrith Panthers 8 (McIndoe, Simons tries)

Brisbane Broncos
Grant Graving, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Gary French, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Andrew Gee, Gene Miles, Wally Lewis
Reserves: Sam Backo, Bryan Niebling

Penrith Panthers
Neil Baker, Andrew Simons, Graeme Bradley, Brad Izzard, Alan McIndoe
Chris Mortimer, Greg Alexander
Peter Kelly, Royce Simmons, Geoff Gerard, Matt Goodwin, Rod McNeil, Colin Van der Voort
Reserves: Craig Connor, David Greene, Col Bentley, Steve Waddell

 

[Big Pete]

Round 2
BRISBANE 22; MANLY 18 at Brookvale Oval

Brisbane continued their domination of Manly in a match of sensation at Brookvale Oval.

The Broncos were forced to play the final 55 minutes without five-eighth and captain Wally Lewis, after he was sent from the field by referee Greg McCallum on a charge of using a forearm to the neck of an opponent (Manly second-rower Glenn Ryan).

Manly led 12-6 at the time, and the Broncos with 12 men seemed certain to falter to Manly’s erratic brilliance.

But calling on incredible reserves of spirit and endurance, Brisbane fought back to lead 16-12 at halftime and then 22-18 at fulltime, staving off countless Manly raids.

It was a win of genuine character by Brisbane, arguably the gutsiest in their history.

Up front the experience of Greg Dowling and Gene Miles was an inspiration for the younger team members and out wide Chris Johns and Tony Currie stood out against the respected combination of Michael O’Connor and Matthew Burke.

Several Manly players appeared to be carrying injuries and their teamwork and communication was faulty.

Brisbane Broncos 22 (Currie, Johns, Matterson, Miles tries; Matterson ¾ goals) defeated Manly Sea Eagles 18 (Lyons 3 tries, Gately 3/3 goals)

Brisbane Broncos
Grant Graving, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Ken Gittens
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Andrew Gee, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Sam Backo, Gary French

Manly Sea Eagles
Dale Shearer, Stuart Davis, Matt Burke, Michael O’Connor, Darrell Williams
Cliff Lyons, Des Hasler
Phil Daley, Mal Cochrane, Ian Gately, Mark Pocock, Glenn Ryan, Paul Vautin
Reserves: Noel Cleal, Owen Cunningham, David Ronson, Paul Shaw

 

[Big Pete]

Round 3
BALMAIN 15, BRISBANE 6 at Lang Park

The high-rolling Brisbane Broncos were stopped in their tracks at Lang Park by a Balmain team knocked about by injury and suspension.


Balmain’s 15-6 win was rated by coach Warren Ryan as his finest with the club.

The Tigers were without internationals Garry Jack and Wayne Pearce (injured) and halfback Gary Freeman (suspended) and the near full-strength Broncos were expected to overpower them from the outset.

But they didn’t count on the exuberance of the Tigers’ stand-ins. Players like Steve Benkic, Michael Moss and Matt Parish who played the game of their lives.

The Balmain forwards got on top of Brisbane’s early in the match, with Test players Steve Roach and Paul Sironen charging powerfully into the Broncos.

And hooker Ben Elias played a superb hand in the win and scooped the player of the match awards.

A scrum win against the feed before halftime helped set up Balmain’s first try and his 42[SUP]nd[/SUP] minute field goal gave the Tigers a nine point cushion.

Balmain Tigers 15 (Pobjie, Benkic tries; Brooks 3 goals; Elias field goal) defeated Brisbane Broncos 6 (Hancock try; Matterson goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Grant Graving, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Ken Gittens
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Sam Backo, Gene Miles, James Donnelly, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Andrew Gee, Gary French, Brett Le Man, Steve Renouf

Balmain Tigers
Michael Moss, Russell Gartner, Michael Pobjie, James Grant, Tony Chalmers
Steve Benkic, Michael Neil
Steve Roach, Ben Elias, Bruce McGuire, Paul Sironen, David Brooks, Matt Parish

 

[Big Pete]

Round 4
BRISBANE 10; WESTS 8 at Orana Park

Wests turned in one of their most gallant performances in years to take Brisbane to the wire in a David and Goliath contest at Orana Park.

Brisbane fielded six internationals, Wests none, yet the Magpies could have drawn the game at 10-all, but for a wayward conversion attempt two minutes from full-time.

Even the normally reserved Broncos’ coach Wayne Bennett heaped praise on the young Magpies.

“If they continue to play that well, they will beat a lot of teams in the competition,” he said.

Wests played well above themselves, of that there is no doubt. They repeatedly forced the Brisbane into error with two and three defenders hurtling into the ball carrier.

But not to be outdone, Brisbane stuck to their game, and finished with two tries to one.

Tiny Test halfback Allan Langer topped the Brisbane tackle count, and performed brilliantly in attack, magnificently engineering the first try for centre Tony Currie.

Brisbane 10 (Currie, Johns tries; Matterson goal) defeated Wests 8 (Simonds try, Mackay 2 goals)

Brisbane Broncos
Grant Graving, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Steve Renouf
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Sam Backo, Andrew Gee, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: James Donnelly, Gary French

Western Suburb Magpies
Danny Peacock, Graham Mackay, Allen Geelan, Jason Stafford, Wayne Simonds
Jason Lidden, Trevor Cogger
Craig Teitzel, Shane Flanagan, Peter O’Doherty, Cameron Blair, Dave Gallagher, Brendon Tuuta
Reserves: Dave Woods, Steve Funnell, Richard Smith, Alan Fallah

 

[Big Pete]

Round 5
BRISBANE 24; NEWCASTLE 12 at Lang Park
Indiscipline could have cost Newcastle a win in their nationally televised Saturday match against Brisbane.

With play at a stalemate for much of the first half, as indiscretion by Knights’ centre Glen Miller, in possession inside his own quarter gave the Broncos a winning impetus.

Miller was sin-binned for 10 minutes. While he was cooling his heels, the Broncos slipped in for two tries and an 8-0 halftime lead.

Although the Knights scored the first try of the second half, Brisbane quickly moved back into winning mode. They scored three tries in 12 minutes to race to a matchwinning 24-6 lead.

Halfback Allan Langer brilliantly orchestrated most of the Broncos attacking work. His uncanny anticipation and unlimited skills made for some thrilling football for Brisbane’s adoring fans.

He was far and away the player of the match although Newcastle fullback Gary Wurth was a classy performer in a beaten side.

Brisbane Broncos 24 (Donnelly, Langer, Niebling, Johns, Currie tries; French, Lewis goals) defeated Newcastle Knights 12 (Wurth, Johnston tries; Johnston 2 goals)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Gary French, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Wally Lewis
Reserves: Craig Teevan, Bryan Niebling, Ray Herring

Newcastle Knights
Gary Wurth, Arnold Krewanty, Glenn Miller, Jeff Doyle, Dairi Kovae
Michael Hagan, Steve Fulmer
Peter Johnston, Tony Butterfield, Mark Sargent, Michael McKiernan, Sam Stewart, Robbie McCormack
Reserves: James Goulding, Tony Kemp, Glenn Frendo, Tony Townsend

 

[Big Pete]

Round 6
BRISBANE 6; PARRAMATTA 2 at Parramatta Stadium

Fading light and showers of torrential rain provided the backdrop to a modern day thriller between Brisbane and Parramatta.

There was only one try in it, but not one of the 17,006 people at Parramatta Stadium left before the final whistle.

Magnificent, last-ditch defensive efforts, relentless attacking surges and breathtaking ball handling in the worst possible conditions were the features of one of the matches of the decade.

The scoreboard changed only twice in 80 minutes. Andrew Leeds kicked a penalty goal after two minutes and Chris Johns scored a try, converted by Gary French, after 29 minutes.

Johns’ try was a long range special, started inside the Brisbane quarter by French, who chipped ahead for centre Tony Currie to regather and he set Johns on a 50 metre dash for the line to score.

A hush enveloped the crowd when Peter Sterling was carted from the fild wearing a neck brace, but fortunately the injury was not serious.

Brisbane halfback Allan Langer stood out in a magnificent display from both teams.

Brisbane Broncos 6 (Johns try; French goal) defeated Parramatta Eels 2 (Leeds goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Gary French, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Wally Lewis
Reserves: Terry Matterson

Parramatta Eels
Andrew Leeds, Brett Atkins, Brian Jackson, Michael Erickson, Jeremy Ticehurst
Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling
Geoff Bugden, Paul Taylor, Rod Slater, Peter Wynn, Craig Izzard, Mark Laurie
Reserves: Eric Grothe, Peter Martin, Danny Crnkovich, John Muggleton

 

[Big Pete]

Round 7
BRISBANE 36; NORTHS 10 at North Sydney Oval
Brisbane poured on the pressure in one of their most overpowering performances of the season to whitewash Norths 36-10 at North Sydney Oval.

At 8-6 to Brisbane after half an hour, it was anyone’s match. But the Broncos were only just beginning in a 25 minute assault they ran in five tries, crushing Norths under a wave of maroon, white and yellow.

Out in the backline the developing combination of Johns and Tony Currie was in brilliant touch. Currie scored a double, toying with big name opposite Greg Florimo and Johns was never far behind.

For Norths, and their coach Frank Stanton, it was the continuation of a nightmare of inconsistency.

Only three weeks earlier they made Parramatta look rank amateurs but losses to Newcastle and Brisbane sent them to the edge of the premiership precipice.

Brisbane 36 (Currie 2, Kilroy 2, Matterson, Le Man, Miles tries; Matterson 4 goals) defeated North Sydney 10 (Beaven, Boustead tries; McArthur goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Bryan Niebling, Gary French, Greg Conescu

North Sydney Bears
John McArthur, Andrew Fullagar, Brett French, Greg Florimo, Kerry Boustead
Paul Beaven, Scott Gale
Bruce Sinclair, Tony Rea, Martin Bella, Gary Larson, Gavin Jones, Gary Smith
Reserves: Kevin Marr, Adrian Toole, Mark Soden, Peter McPhail

 

[Big Pete]

Round 8
BRISBANE 32; ILLAWARRA 24 at Lang Park

Illawarra were close to causing the shock of the decade before succumbing to the might of the Brisbane Broncos in a try-feast at Lang Park.

The Broncos eventually won 32-24, but not before the Steelers had drawn to within two points with 16 minutes to play.

There were 10 tries in all; which was remarkable considering the boggy conditions, and it was the extra class of the Broncos which finally won out over the unbridled enthusiasm of Illawarra.

The Steelers caused Wally Lewis men a might scare and forced the all-star Broncos to dig deep.

It was clear case of complacency for the Broncos who led 22-8 after just 25 minutes and a cakewalk was imminent.

But to the credit of Illawarra they refused to fold, and their four try dividend was their biggest harvest of the year and the signs looked good for the weeks to come.

It was Allan Langer who salved the Broncos’ pride with a 75[SUP]th[/SUP] minute try. He and prop Greg Dowling were the pick of the Brisbane side.

Brisbane Broncos 32 (Johns 2, Langer 2, Niebling, Hancock tries; Matterson 4 goals) defeated Illawarra Steelers 24 (Hardy, Moon, Kissell, Larder tries; Wishart 4 goals)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Bryan Niebling, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Sam Backo, Gary French

Illawarra Steelers
Tony Smith, Rod Wishart, Les Morrissey, Jeff Hardy, Jason Moon
Ian Russell, Trevor Kissell
Dean Schifilliti, Michael Carberry, Dean Hanson, Cavill Heugh, Craig Keen, Chris Walsh
Reserves: Steve Larder, Brett Rodwell, Martin Ebb, Wayne Harvey

 

[Big Pete]

Round 9
BRISBANE 36; EASTS 2 at Sydney Football Stadium

In one of the most complete performances since entering the Winfield Cup 14 months earlier, the Brisbane Broncos equalled their biggest winning margin in a 36-2 thrashing of Eastern Suburbs.

And making a splendid return to form was Brisbane and Queensland captain Wally Lewis – just 10 days before the first State of Origin match for 1989.

“When he captains the team like that he adds a whole new dimension to our performance,” said Broncos coach Wayne Bennett afterwards.

Lewis pushed the go button for Brisbane, scoring a try (his first for the season), defending stoutly and kicking intelligently to keep Easts on the back foot.

Although Easts put together some good attacking plays, the Broncos defence was always equal to the task.

In attack they had unlimited options with the power of Dowling and Miles up front and the size and skills of a backline that boasted four internationals.

Englishman Joe Lydon made a welcome reappearance for the Roosters and teamed up well with former Wally international Michael Cook, in his first full match in first grade.

Brisbane Broncos 36 (Miles, Matterson, Hancock, Lewis, Langer, Kilroy tries; Matterson 4, Hancock 2 goals) defeated Eastern Suburbs Roosters 2 (Lydon goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Peter Jackson, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Grant Rix, Grant Graving, Gary French, Andrew Gee

Eastern Suburbs Roosters
Rod Silva, Sandy Campbell, Michael Cook, Joe Lydon, Steve Morris
Tony Melrose, Laurie Spina
Craig Salvatori, David Trewhella, Pat Jarvis, Trevor Gillmeister, Mike McLean, Hugh McGahan
Reserves: Bill Dart, Mark Wheeler, Gary Bridge, Kurt Sherlock

 

[Big Pete]

STATE OF ORIGIN
GAME I
QUEENSLAND 36; NSW 6 at Lang Park

Queensland proved themselves one of the finest Rugby League combinations in history with their comprehensive 36-6 hiding of New South Wales in 1989’s first State of Origin clash.

The win was the biggest in State of Origin history and Queensland’s biggest interstate victory since 1940.

There appeared not a weak link in the Maroon armoury as they reduced NSW to a rabble in a seven tries to one cakewalk.

Playing against a vastly inexperienced NSW outfit, the Maroons used all their guile and knowhoe to stretch their overall lead in State of Origin to 15 matches to 10.

The win was engineered up front, with man of the match Martin Bella in commanding form. He crashed through tackles and passed the advantage line every time he took the ball forward.

But he wasn’t alone. The support of newcomer Dan Stains, Paul Vautin and Gene Miles was magnificent.

Kerrod Walters’ ball play at dummy half was first rate and when the ball swung wide it was time for the diminutive Allan Langer to stamp his class on the match.
A quick penalty tap, a cross-field run and a 20-metre pass to Alan McIndoe produced the Maroons’ first try, and a grubber kick and chase brought the third for himself.

His quick-thinking and alertness in every phase of play had the look of Lewis genius about it.

And that man Lewis, standing outside Langer, was another revelation.

Playing crafty, inspired football in his 24[SUP]th[/SUP] State of Origin match, Lewis strutted Lang Park like a statesman.

Along the backline further was Mal Meninga, the hulking Canberra centre, playing his first Origin match since 1986.

He was unstoppable out wide, scored two tries, kicked four goals, and lifted his tally to 125 points in Origin matches.

Class was everything in a Maroon jumper. Michael Hancock and Alan McIndoe, the flyers on the flanks, Gary Belcher at fullback, Tony Currie in the centre, Bob Lindner at lock.

Surely there has never been a finer Queensland side.

For NSW and coach Jack Gibson it was back to the drawing board. The Blues lacked cohesion and never looked dangerous, from the moment they ambled out onto the field before the match.

Their only try was a late effort, scored by replacement Andrew Ettingshausen, and prevented the first Queensland “shutout” of NSW since 1960.

Queensland 36 (Hancock 2, Meninga 2, McIndoe, Langer, Lindner tries; Meninga 4 goals) defeated New South Wales 6 (Ettingshausen try, Daley goal)

Queensland
Gary Belcher, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Mal Meninga, Alan McIndoe
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Dan Stains, Kerrod Walters, Martin Bella, Gene Miles, Paul Vautin, Bob Lindner
Reserves: Trevor Gillmeister, Dale Shearer, Gary Coyne, Michael Hagan

New South Wales
Garry Jack, Chris Johns, Andrew Farrar, Laurie Daley, John Ferguson
Terry Lamb, Des Hasler
Paul Dunn, Mario Fenech, John Cartwright, Gavin Miller, Paul Sironen, Brad Clyde
Reserves: Glenn Lazarus, Greg Alexander, Andrew Ettingshausen, Chris Mortimer

 

[Big Pete]

Round 10
BRISBANE 16, GOLD COAST 2 at Lang Park

The Brisbane Broncos avenged their shock 1988 defeat to the Gold Coast in a bitter and spiteful local derby at Lang Park.

The Giants scored their first ever Winfield Cup victory by beating their high profile northern neighbours at Seagulls Stadium, but Brisbane showed from the start at Lang Park they were not about to accept the same fate.

The forward battle was fierce, with neither side gaining any genuine advantage. It was in the strength of the Brisbane backline that the match was won, however.

Apart from fullback Shane Duffy, Brisbane sported a full State of Origin backline, and their class and speed overwhelmed the Giants, who never looked like creating a danger.

The after-match accusations of forearms and stiff-arms and spitting allegations were ugly by-products of a tough match.

Days later Broncos captain Wally Lewis ($2000) and Gold Coast prop Jim Cowell ($1000) were cited by the NSWRL and fined after a spitting incident.

Brisbane 16 (Hancock, Kilroy, Matterson tries; Matterson, Lewis goals) defeated Gold Coast Giants 2 (Benson goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Peter Jackson, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Mark Hohn, Steve Renouf, Gary French

Gold Coast Giants
Terry Dardengo, Ben Gonzales, Troy McCarthy, Peter Benson, Scott Mieni
Mark Gee, Geoff Bagnall
Peter Smith, Billy Johnstone, Jim Cowell, Chris Close, Ron Gibbs, Bob Lindner
Reserves: Graham Steadman, Neil Hunt, Greg Whitbread, Mark Ross

 

[Big Pete]

Round 11
ST GEORGE 20; BRISBANE 10 at Kogarah Oval

St George caused one of the most stunning upsets of the 1989 Winfield Cup when they out-enthused the Broncos to win 20-10 on muddy Kogarah Oval.

Saints as they did against Balmain a week earlier, came out with all guns firing and scored two converted tries in the opening 12 minutes.

It was a victory of specially sweet taste for second-rower Billy Noke, spurned by the Broncos earlier in the season, and Saints’ Queensland connection of Wally Fullerton-Smith, Mark Coyne, Shane Kelly and Peter Gill.

The Broncos were beginning to look invincible after winning their previous seven matches, but a game plan formulated by coach Craig Young was carried out to perfection by his ever improving team.

Young noticed on video that Allan Langer was moving up faster in defence than Wally Lewis and that there was a gap to be exploited around that area, and five-eighth Peter Gill ran at the opening all game.

Up front Osbourne and Kelly continued their dominance in the Kogarah gluepot, and behind them lock Brad Mackay and back-rowers Fullerton-Smith and Noke were in inspired form.

St George Dragons 20 (Johnston 2, Walford tries; Walford 4 goals) defeated Brisbane Broncos 10 (Lewis, Dowling tries; Matterson goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Gary French, Peter Jackson, Steve Renouf
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, James Donnelly, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Grant Rix, Sam Backo, Andrew Gee

St George Dragons
Darren South, Mark Coyne, Brian Johnston, Michael Beattie, Ricky Walford
Peter Gill, Steve Linnane
Paul Osborne, Garry Longhurst, Shane Kelly, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Billy Noke, Brad Mackay
Reserves: Jason Hoogerwerf, Matthew Elliott

 

[Big Pete]

PANASONIC CUP FINAL

In a season of spectacular advancements for Rugby League in Australia, the Panasonic Cup proved to be one of the great successes.

For the first time the Cup headed west, to Western Australia, where big time league made a stunning debut before a captivated audience at Perth’s cricket holy, the WACA.

Watched by 24 643 fans at the ground and beamed live into homes in the eastern states, the Parramatta-Balmain first round match was one of the high points of a series that exceeded any before it.

Expansive moves to Parkes, Bathurst, Wagga and Townsville added a new flavour to the midweek Cup competition and widened appeal considerably.

Success in the Panasonic Cup was Brisbane’s, but not before an almighty struggle. Wally Lewis’ Broncos became the first club side outside Sydney to win the Cup.

Earlier, combined teams, Western Division (1974) and Combined Brisbane (1984) had won titles.

The 1989 Cup final will go down as the most memorable in the history of the midweek competition.

BRISBANE 22, ILLAWARRA 20 at Parramatta Stadium

It was the classic David and Goliath confrontation. Brisbane, among the Winfield Cup front runners and bolstered by seven internationals, against Illawarra, dead last in the premiership and whose hopes rested in the hands of two English internationals, Andy Gregory and Steve Hampson.

Inwardly, Cup promoters and league officials must have feared an embarrassing whitewash. A no contest.

Just after a quarter time the nightmare was becoming real. When big Sam Backo powered over for the Broncos’ third try and a 16-0 lead, the match looked shot to pieces.

But those who lacked faith in the ability of the Illawarra side were humbled in the events of the next hour’s play.

The feisty Gregory played his first card at the half hour mark, kicking in-goal for teenage sensation Brett Rodwell to pounce upon for the Steelers’ opening try.

Minutes later Jeff Hardy plucked an intercept and sprinted toward the Broncos’ line. As the defence ran him down he sent the ball to flying winger Rod Wishart who made for the try line.

Broncos’ winger Michael Hancock had him in his sights but as he dived for Wishart’s legs the talented young Steelers fended him away and he scored beneath the posts.

At halftime the Broncos lead had closed to 16-12 and a desperate third quarter of cut and thrust football produced no points…until the siren.
Halfback Gregory was late tackled by Hancock and the Steelers received a penalty wide out. Wishart kicked straight and true as the three quarter siren sounded.

At 16-14 the match was poised for a heart-stopping final 20 minutes as both sides threw everything they had at each other.

Illawarra’s men performed well above themselves, and the support of the crowd was 99 percent behind them. Wishart, Rodwell and Schifilliti matched strides with Lewis, Langer and Miles.

The fairytale turned sour when Peter Jackson engineered a try for Miles five minutes before fulltime and a 22-14 lead, but Illawarra weren’t done with.

A minute later Steve Hampson dummied to his outside men and cut through to score for 22-18 and Wishart’s fourth successful goal made it 22-20.

The Steelers got the ball from the kick-off and immediately threw it wide. Eventually, in their desperation, Illawarra’s ball was intercepted by Miles and the issue was decided.

Brisbane won, just like everyone thought they would.

But the way they got there confounded all expectations. It was the Broncos’ first title.

Back in Wollongong, Illawarra were greeted by 10,000 wildly excited fans who gathered outside the Town Hall at midnight to acclaim their heroes.

There were no losers.

Brisbane Broncos 22 (Jackson, Kilroy, Backo, Miles tries; Matterson 3 goals) defeated Illawarra Steelers (Hampton, Wishart, Rodwell tries; Wishart 4 goals)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Peter Jackson, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Sam Backo, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: James Donnelly

Illawarra Steelers
Steve Hampson, Rod Wishart, Brett Rodwell, Jeff Hardy, Jason Moon
Tony Smith, Andy Gregory
Chris Walsh, Dean Schifilliti, Michael Carberry, Dean Hanson, Les Morrissey, Ian Russell
Reserves: Cavill Heugh, Craig Keen, Michael Bolt, Trevor Kissell

Round 1
Brisbane defeated Canberra 18-13 at Pioneer Oval, Parkes, March 1. Man of the Match: Terry Matterson (Brisbane)

Quarter Finals
Brisbane defeated Parramatta 42-6 at Townsville Sports Reserve, May 17, Man of the match: Terry Matterson (Brisbane)

Semi-Finals
Brisbane defeated South Sydney 24-4 at Carrington Park, Bathurst, May 31. Man of the Match: Peter Jackson

Midweek Cup Superstar
1989: Terry Matterson

 

[Big Pete]

STATE OF ORIGIN
GAME II
QUEENSLAND 16; NSW 12 at the Sydney Football Stadium

It was the greatest show of courage in the history of State of Origin. A modern day Rorke’s Drift.

Queensland won the battle and they won the 1989 Origin “war” in a performance against unbelievable odds at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Injuries to key players left the champion Marooon side at their most vulnerable point in years, but the Queensland responded in stunning style.

By halftime Queensland had lost Mal Meninga, Paul Vautin and Allan Langer – three world class players, and midway through the second half Test aspirant was forced from the field.

A serious leg injury to Bob Lindner left Queensland a man short in the desperate dying stage of the match but there was no relenting.

Skipper Wally Lewis rallied his team, asking for and receiving a second effort from those left standing.

It was Lewis, himself, who inspired the recovery. Since 1980 Lewis had made State of Origin arena his own. His effort at the Sydney Football Stadium on June 14, though, may rank as his finest.

When the situation looked as its most desperate, Lewis was there to show the way, making three tackles in a row, kicking with controlled accuracy, making a break himself.

His second half try was the matchwinner. A breathtaking 30-metre surge for the line from a standing start left New South Welshmen scattered in his wake.

When Langer was on the field, Lewis appeared content to let the blond-haired dynamo to weave his magic. But when Langer’s leg snapped with a sicking crack Lewis’ team-mates looked to him for direction.

He took the game from that point. Few New South Welshmen in the crowd of 40,000 could begrudge him the man of the match medal.

In fact the capacity house was unusually subdued. A Queensland victory inevitably leads to howls or derision by the pro-New South Wales crowd.

But not this time. In their silence they paid the Maroons the ultimate compliment.

Lewis’ show was not a one man act.

The contribution of the entire team was superb. Hooker Kerrod Walters earned himself the green and gold number nine jersey with his darting runs from dummy half, his scrumming, his defence.

Centre Tony Currie, as usual, played above his weight. There was a sting in every tackle. Second-rower Gene Miles was all-powerful in the Queensland back row. His transformation from world quality centre to world class forward was complete.

Props Sam Backo and Martin Bella launched the win with their sold up-front presence and backline speedsters Gary Belcher and Alan McIndoe played important roles.

New South Wales’ form had vastly improved on their first up performance. They were simply beaten by the better side.

The defence of Peter Kelly and Bruce McGuire was significant in the team’s improvement. Bradley Clyde, McGuire, Greg Alexander, Kelly and Mario Fenech, Chris Johns and Gavin Miller were powerful performers.

It was Queensland’s night, and the Maroons’ series – their six series win since 1992.

Queensland 16 (Hanckcok, Walters, Lewis tries; Meninga, Belcher goals) defeated New South Wales 12 (Daley, Johns tries; Alexander 2 goals)

Queensland
Gary Belcher, Michael Hancock, Tony Currie, Mal Meninga, Alan McIndoe
Wally Lewis, Allan Langer
Sam Backo, Kerrod Walters, Martin Bella, Gene Miles, Paul Vautin, Bob Lindner
Reserves: Trevor Gillmeister, Dale Shearer, Gary Coyne, Michael Hagan

New South Wales
Garry Jack, Chris Johns, Andrew Ettingshausen, Laurie Daley, John Ferguson
Chris Mortimer, Greg Alexander
Paul Dunn, Mario Fenech, Peter Kelly, Gavin Miller, Bruce McGuire, Brad Clyde
Reserves: Des Hasler, John Cartwright, Brad Mackay, Alan Wilson

 

[Big Pete]

Round 12
CANBERRA 27; BRISBANE 6 at Seiffert Oval

Before a record crowd at Seiffert Oval, Canberra continued their magnificent Queanbeyan form to thrash Brisbane 27-6 in a match of high drama.

Brisbane, already missing halfback Alan Langer with a broken ankle, lost skipper Wally Lewis with was was suspected as a recurrence of the broken arm he suffered in the 1988 World Cup final.

X-rays later cleared Lewis, but it was apparent that without Langer and Lewis, the Broncos would struggle to match strides with the tremendously mobile Canberra outfit.

Lock Bradley Clyde played one of his finest matches and set him up as the front-line contender for the Australian lock forward position after the State of Origin injury to Gold Coast’s Bob Lindner.

Clyde, 19, scored two tries, including a solo effort from near halfway which thrilled the crowd of 18,272.

Support from fellow forwards Gary Coyne, Brent Todd and Glenn Lazarus was considerable and in the backline halfback Ricky Stuart and centres Laurie Daley and Ivan Henjak had fine games.

Canberra Raiders 27 (Clyde 2, Ferguson, Belcher, Dimond tries; Belcher 2, Stuart goals, Stuart field goal) defeated Brisbane Broncos 6 (Matterson try, Matterson goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Tony Currie, Peter Jackson, Chris Johns, Joe Kilroy
Wally Lewis, Gary French
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Sam Backo, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Steve Renouf, James Donnelly, Brett Plowman, Greg Conescu

Canberra Raiders
Gary Belcher, John Ferguson, Laurie Daley, Ivan Henjak, Phil Carey
Chris O’Sullivan, Ricky Stuart
Glenn Lazarus, Steve Walters, Brent Todd, Gary Coyne, Craig Dimond, Bradley Clyde
Interchange: Craig Bellamy, Kevin Walters, Ashley Gilbert, Mark Bell

 

[Big Pete]

Round 13
BRISBANE 42; CRONULLA 10 at Lang Park

Cronulla left Lang Park shellshocked after the Broncos slammed them, eight tries to two.

New halfback Gary French, replacing injured State of Origin hero Allan Langer, slotted in superbly after a difficult previous game against Canberra.

He initiated one of the tries of the season in the 26[SUP]th[/SUP] minute, and finished it himself, five passes and 80 metres later.

It was a try that demonstrated the full attacking brilliance of the Broncos.

Brisbane won back any supporters who may have doubted their ability to perform in big matches after their surprisingly poor form against Canberra a week earlier.

Cronulla floundered against the brilliant Broncos.

They found few holes through the rock-like defence and had great difficulty holding back the galloping Broncos.

Brisbane Broncos 42 (French 2, R. Teevan 2, Johns 2, Currie, Backo tries; Matterson 5 goals) defeated Cronulla Sharks 10 (Wilson, Russell tries; Wilson goal)

Brisbane Broncos
Shane Duffy, Steve Renouf, Tony Currie, Chris Johns, Rohan Teevan
Peter Jackson, Gary French
Greg Dowling, Kerrod Walters, Sam Backo, Brett Le Man, Gene Miles, Terry Matterson
Reserves: Bryan Niebling, Scott Tronc, Greg Conescu, Grant Rix

Cronulla Sharks
Jonathan Docking, Glenn Coleman, John Davidson, Mark McGaw, Sean Watson
Alan Wilson, Barry Russell
Dane Sorensen, Michael Porter, Danny Lee, Dan Stains, Gavin Miller, David Hatch
[FONT=&quot]Reserves: David Burnes, Greg Davies, Malcom Wheeler, Jeff Martin[/FONT]

 

[Big Pete]

Game III
QUEENSLAND 36; NEW SOUTH WALES 16 at Lang Park

The domination of arguably Queensland’s best ever team continued at Lang Park in the third match of the 1989 series.

The Maroons piled on 36 points to leave the Blues’ stocks at an all-time low.

The 36-16 win was Queensland’s eighth in a row and completed their second successive cleansweep.

The match began as a genuine contest, both sides swapping tries and the Blues went into the breaking leading 12-10 after playing some of their most enterprising football of the series.

Bit their capitulation in the second half was mystifying. After 10 minutes of the second period the issue was decided.

A Wally Lewis kick into New South Wales’ in-goal was fumbled by Garry Jack, a picture of hesitation and reluctance throughout the series, and Kerrod Walters on the spot to score the try that gave the Maroons a 20-10 lead.

Walters was the outstanding player on the field, capping a remarkable introduction to big time football for the 21-year-old.

When he was rested by coach Arthur Beetson with 10 minutes to play he was afforded a reception normally reserved for Wally Lewis.

He was pushed for man of the match honours by consistent props Sam Backo and Martin Bella, fullback Gary Belcher and centre Dale Shearer.

Best for the Blues was second-rower Bruce McGuire, who tackled his way through a mountain of work, while five-eighth Des Hasler and young lock Brad Mackay also impressed.

For the Blues there was much rebuilding to be done, for Queensland…they could reflect on perhaps their finest interstate efforts in 80 years.

Queensland 36 (Shearer 2, McIndoe, Hancock, Walters, Belcher, Curries tries; Shearer 4 goals) defeated New South Wales 16 (Hasler, Trewhella, McGuire tries; O’Connor 2 goals)

Queensland
Gary Belcher, Michael Hancock, Dale Shearer, Tony Currie, Alan McIndoe
Wally Lewis, Michael Hagan
Sam Backo, Kerrod Walters, Martin Bella, Dan Stains, Gene Miles, Paul Vautin
Reserves: Trevor Gillmeister, Gary Coyne, Peter Jackson, Kevin Walters

New South Wales
Garry Jack, Michael O’Connor, Brian Johnston, Chris Johns, John Ferguson
Des Hasler, Greg Alexander
Peter Kelly, David Trewhella, Bruce McGuire, Gavin Miller, Mark Geyer, Brad Mackay
Reserves: Terry Matterson, John Cartwright, Phil Blake, Alan Wilson