History of first try-scorers in NRL grand finals

Being the first team to score in a grand final is a major advantage with just six teams failing to go on to win in the NRL era after opening the scoring.

In the past 10 years, this record has been emphasised with only Brisbane and Melbourne failing to lift the premiership after scoring first in a decider.

Therefore, the scramble to get across the line first is a major source of interest.

But who has their name in the history books for the fastest four-pointer in NRL grand final history?

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What is the fastest try in NRL grand final history?

Michael De Vere of the Broncos currently holds the record for the quickest try in a decider, which he has held since 1998.

The backline star, who won multiple premierships with the club while going on to play for New South Wales and Australia, touched down after just two minutes.

Wayne Bennett’s side went on with the job in the first grand final of the NRL era as they beat Canterbury 38-12.

Bill Peden and Justin Olam have since come the closest to snatching this record with both men crossing during the third minute of their respective grand finals.

Peden scored for Newcastle in their 2001 victory over Parramatta, while the PNG wrecking ball scored for Melbourne in their 2020 win over Penrith.

Ryan Hoffman is next in line in the history books as the backrower smashed his way over after four minutes, during the Storm’s 2009 title win over the Eels which was later stripped due to salary cap breaches.

A quartet of players then sit further back after notching in the sixth minute of action. They are; Hoffman, Corey Oates, Sam Verrills and Mark Gasnier.

What is the latest first try in NRL grand final history?

While fans generally haven’t had to wait all that long for the first four-pointer to be registered on grand final day, there has been the odd game where defence has dominated.

It took Luke Rooney 30 minutes to cross the line in the 2003 grand final which the Panthers claimed with a win over the Sydney Roosters.

This is the latest first try in an NRL decider to date.

Brett Stewart sits just behind Rooney after he scored in the 29th minute during Manly’s win over the New Zealand Warriors in 2011.

A fellow former Sea Eagle in Matt Ballin takes third place in these stakes after the hooker registered the first four-pointer of the 2008 grand final against the Storm with 23 minutes on the clock.

History of first try-scorers in NRL grand finals