Panthers v Broncos preview
52 mins ago | Rhys Sullivan
In 2014 we will see two teams trying to put an end to some rather well entrenched records.
For South Sydney, theirs is more personal. This will be their first Grand Final appearance since their last premiership in 1971. From 1908 to the end of the 1971 season, Souths premiership record read:
Since that 1971 title, Souths have not only failed to add to their number of premierships, but they've not even ‘enjoyed' the loss of a grand final. From 1972 til 2014 Grand Final eve, their record reads:
Their fall from glory has been the most severe of all clubs, considering the amount and length of their success up til 1971. Which is why post their 1971 premiership, they have been hurting more than most clubs (except perhaps Cronulla) as far as Premiership glory is concerned.
For Canterbury, they have to overcome a comparatively shorter but very concerning record. Finishing 7th.
Why?
Ever since 1995, when finals series began including at least 7 teams in the finals series, the team that finished 7th has appeared in just one Grand Final and lost (St.George in 1996).
Over the same time, the team that finished 3rd has appeared in 3 grand finals, winning every time (Melbourne 1999, Newcastle 2001 and Brisbane 2006).
There is another worrying trend as far as results in games where 3rd has played 7th in the finals.
1996 - 7th won
1998 - 3rd won
2004 - 7th won
2010 - 3rd won
2013 - 7th won
History aside, another issue for the Bulldogs will be the second half. They have won every first half since Round 23 this year. However they haven't won a second half since Round 19.
So who wins the 2014 NRL Grand Final? It may just come down to who wants to break their respective hoodoo's more.