Bring back John Fifita
First Grade
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1990 between the same sides was a gripping match too. Canberra had the famous backline, but the Panthers were a tough unit and Greg Alexander was at his absolute peak and seriously dangerous in the dying minutes. Canberra always looked likely, but in the end they were saved by the clock (which stopped with 5 minutes left so Penrith didn't know how much time was left after scoring late). I've always thought we should have declined the kick for goal being 4 behind and needing to score again. In the end it was decided on goalkicking.
It was many years before I could watch this game. The following year helped.
Was the first Grand Final I saw live. I actually went to all the finals at the SFS that year on some package my neighbours had (sharks fans) and took me along.
Awesome to be there and yes a tight contest. My memory is that when Joe Vitanza (Now there’s a blast from the past) lost the ball late in the 2nd half the Raiders finally had it sewn up.