Ricky Stuart relives the EPIC 1989 Grand Final on the 30th anniversary
Canberra Raiders legend Ricky Stuart has reminisced on the famous 1989 Grand Final, on the 30th anniversary of that epic game.
The Raiders extra-time victory over the Balmain Tigers is widely regarded as the greatest Grand Final in rugby league history, with Stuart recognising just how important it was for the city.
“It just really gave the whole community a soul,” Stuart tells John Stanley.
The team at Macquarie Sports Radio have released an extended documentary to mark the occasion, with Stuart in awe after hearing a small snippet.
Click PLAY for a teaser of the 30th anniversary documentary (full doco below)
“The ’89 really put us on a plateau in regards to being the first team to ever bring the premiership outside Sydney,” says Stuart.
And it was little old Canberra… we really proved something that’s gone down in history now and the memories will never be forgotten.”
Whilst recognising the significance of that momentous final, the Raiders coach says his focus is firmly on this week’s NRL Preliminary Final against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
“We’ve still got a way to go before we can even look at repeating the success of ’89. We’ve got a big challenge in front of us on Friday night.”
Click PLAY below to hear the full interview
The Macquarie Sports Radio special 30th anniversary documentary is hosted by David Morrow and Mathew Thompson.
It features interviews with many of the stars who played in the historic game and the original broadcast from our very own Ray Hadley.
Click PLAY below to hear the special broadcast
Former Balmain Tigers star Benny Elias also chatted with the team.
Elias recalled the famous moment his field goal slammed into the cross-bar, cruelly denying the Tigers the premiership.
Click PLAY to watch below