This was published 11 years ago
Modern marvels: the NRL's grand final magicians
SBW delivers
Sonny-Bill Williams breaks open the Manly defence during the second half of last year's decider to set up a match-turning try in the Roosters' 26-18 win over the Sea Eagles.
Rugby league is littered with magical moments, but none shine brighter than the plays that define grand finals.
Single acts of brilliance or a player's total domination can be the difference in winning a premiership and offer a footballer the chance to etch his name into folklore.
From Steve Menzies' fairytale try in 2008 to Benji Marshall's brilliant flick-pass in 2005, here's some of the greatest grand final moments of the modern era.
Who will step-up in 2014?
Attribution: Not SuppliedSingle acts of brilliance or a player's total domination can be the difference in winning a premiership and offer a footballer the chance to etch his name into folklore.
From Steve Menzies' fairytale try in 2008 to Benji Marshall's brilliant flick-pass in 2005, here's some of the greatest grand final moments of the modern era.
Who will step-up in 2014?
Double strike
Penrith winger Luke Rooney charges in for the first of his two tries during the Panthers' 18-6 upset win over the Roosters in 2003.
Tackle for the ages
Panthers backrower Scott Sattler etched his name into history in the same match, cutting down try-bound Roosters winger Todd Byrne with a brilliant tackle (left) before celebrating victory with his teammates.
Honours shared
After missing the 2004 decider through injury, Bulldogs captain Steve Price lifts the premiership trophy with stand-in skipper Andrew Ryan following Canterbury's 16-13 win over the Roosters.
El magic srikes
Bulldogs winger Hazem El Masri fights his way out of the clutches of two Roosters defenders with amazing determination to score a crucial try in the 2004 decider.
Benji's flick pass
Wests Tigers playmaker Benji Marshall sets up one of the great grand final tries with a brilliant flick pass on the fly to bamboozle Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen and send winger Pat Richards to the line in 2005.
Pat's joy
Richards dives over to finish off Marshall's magic as the joint venture club claims its first premiership with a 30-16 victory over North Queensland.
Dream ending
Broncos bulldozer Shane Webcke charges through the Melbourne defence with a typically inspiring run to finish his 12-year NRL career on top with a 15-8 premiership win in 2006.
