Rugby League Top 10: Grand Final Moments

It's always difficult to judge whether one game was better than another, so this top ten list concentrates on the most memorable moments in Grand Finals along with the impact each had on that game itself and their subsequent outcomes.

From Jason Robinson's jinking try that lit up the first edition between Wigan and Leeds in 1998 to Bevan French's spectacular effort to complete the Warriors' quadruple last year, the 'Big Dance' has delivered some truly outstanding memories.

Michael Withers hat-trick in 2001 helped Bradford pile up the most points in a final, while Sean Long's late drop goal won Saints the prize the following year, although not before one of the biggest Grand Final controversies. In the last play of the game, Chris Joynt went to ground leaving the Bulls wanting a penalty for a voluntary tackle as the full time whistle blew.

In 2011, Leeds had a point to prove after finishing fifth in the regular season and Rob Burrow had something to prove himself, having once again been named on the bench to face St Helens. The teams were locked at 2-2 on a typically rainy night in Manchester when Burrow ducked and dived half the length of the field, leaving opponents grasping at thin air. Not just the greatest ever try scored in a Grand Final, but probably one of the greatest tries scored anywhere.

By contrast, the 2014 final will always be remembered for the wrong reasons. In only the second minute of the match Wigan’s Ben Flower became the first and only player to be sent off after punching St Helens half-back Lance Hohaia twice, the second landing whilst the Kiwi was lying prone on the floor.

And despite being played at an empty stadium due to Covid, commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, John Kear described the 2020 game as the greatest Grand Final ever. With the scores tied and seconds to play, Tommy Makinson's drop goal from way out hit the post, but Jack Welsby reacted quickest to the bouncing ball, touching down to win the game for Saints in the most dramatic of fashion.

Picking the most memorable moment in Grand Final history is going to be tough.