Memorable Debuts - Round 26

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm
Suncorp Stadium - Thursday 7:45pm

Every player dreams of finishing their career with a Grand Final win; for Shane Webcke that scenario was played out in the 2006 decider against Melbourne. Debuting eleven years earlier, the Brisbane front-rower played a leading role in the 15-8 upset win over the Storm, allowing the 32-year-old to finish his 254 game career with four Premierships. Representing Australia and Queensland on over 20 occasions, Webcke was included in the Broncos Legends team to commemorate the club's 20th anniversary in 2007.

Sydney Roosters v South Sydney Rabbitohs
Allianz Stadium - Friday 7:45pm

Starting his first grade career with the Roosters back in 1997, Bryan Fletcher helped South Sydney come up with their first win over his former club after 13 successive losses in his farewell NRL appearance in 2005. Signing to play with Wigan in the English Super League, Fletcher helped the Rabbitohs to a 17-16 victory at Aussie Stadium, however injury prevented him from featuring in the clubs final two matches. Finishing up with 170 appearances, Fletcher was a try-scorer in the Roosters 2002 Grand Final win over the Warriors, as well as representing New South Wales and Australia on multiple occasions.

Penrith Panthers v Newcastle Knights
Pepper Stadium - Saturday 3:00pm

Starting out with the Knights in 2002, Adam Woolnough had an unfortunate final match in 2009, being a part of a Penrith side lapped 35-0 at Energy Australia Stadium. Seemingly retired after eight seasons in first grade, Storm coach Craig Bellamy was able to lure the front rower back in 2011 to help rebuild Melbourne following the notorious salary cap scandal the previous year. Finishing up with 155 first grade games, Woolnough was unable to win a Premiership or play representative football, but consistently delivered whole-hearted performances at each club.

St. George Illawarra Dragons v Wests Tigers
ANZ Stadium - Saturday 5:30pm

With Todd Payten ruled out of the Tigers 2010 Preliminary Final against eventual premiers St. George Illawarra, John Skandalis came within an inch of being included in Tim Sheens squad, but was overlooked in favour of Andrew Fifita. Making a cameo of appearances in 2010, Skandalis wrapped up his NRL career with 249 matches for Western Suburbs and Wests Tigers. A member of the 2005 Premiership winning side, Skandalis also holds the distinction of scoring the first try for the joint venture in a 24-all draw with Brisbane in 2000.

North Queensland Cowboys v Gold Coast Titans
1300SMILES Stadium - Saturday 7:30pm

Always a toiler throughout his career, Luke O'Dwyer gave great service for the Titans, but an injury late in 2013 saw the utility forced into an early retirement. Coming into first grade with Parramatta in 2004, O'Dwyer was a foundation member for the Titans where he alternated between the centres and second-row. Finishing up with 128 first grade games, injury prevented him from featuring in the finals, however he remains actively involved on the Gold Coast as the clubs Business Development Officer.

Parramatta Eels v Canberra Raiders
Pirtek Stadium - Sunday 2:00pm

He may be best known as a representative front rower with the Melbourne Storm, but Brett White finished his professional career with Canberra in 2014. Facing off against Parramatta in his final match, White was able to go out a winner after the Raiders upset the Eels 33-20 to finish the season off with three straight victories. Making his debut back in 2005, White achieved remarkable success with the Storm featuring in four consecutive Grand Finals, however it was as a result of this success that he was forced to shift to the Raiders in 2011 following the Storm's salary cap breaches. Representing Australia and New South Wales on a number occasions, injuries meant White fell four matches short of 200 matches, but he will be remembered as a tough front rower who never backed down from a challenge regardless of the score.

Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks v Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles
Remondis Stadium - Sunday 4:00pm

There were multiple moments John Hopoate would like to forget from his NRL career, but the 17-match suspension handed down in 2005 likely ranks towards the top. Sent off in Round 2 for a high tackles on Cronulla prop Keith Galloway, Hopoate subsequently had his contract terminated and was forced into retirement. Playing over 200 matches for Manly, Wests Tigers and Northern Eagles; Hopoate also represented Australia and New South Wales early in his career. A member of the 1996 Premiership winning side, controversy was never far away but at the peak of his powers he was a devastating winger, capable of supreme feats of athleticism and strength.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs v New Zealand Warriors
ANZ Stadium - Sunday 6:30pm

Playing his final game for the Warriors in Round 26, 2004; Jerry Seu Seu ended his time in the NRL with 132 appearances across eight seasons. Soundly beaten by the Bulldogs 54-10 in his farewell appearance at Ericsson Stadium, Seu Seu shifted to the English Super League where he spent two seasons at Wigan. Representing both New Zealand and Samoa at international level, the front-rower was also a member of the Warriors 2002 Grand Final losing side.