Footy Flashbacks: Parramatta 14-60 Brisbane (1995)

Ahead of the NRL resuming on May 28, Love Rugby League decided to look at some past matches between the third round match ups.

Up first it is Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos in round 13 of the 1995 ARL season.

Background

Parramatta 

The Eels were in the midst of a disappointing season, having only claimed three wins over South Queensland, North Queensland and Sydney Bulldogs. 

Unsurprisingly, by the time the Broncos arrived at Parramatta Stadium, the Eels were languishing in 17th place. 

Brisbane 

The Broncos, however, were having the complete opposite campaign to their opponents, having only suffered three defeats although two of these had come in their two previous matches. 

Coached by Wayne Bennett, the Broncos had made their best ever start to a season, chalking up seven straight victories before a shock 26-0 reverse at Canberra. 

Parramatta 14-60 Brisbane

Brisbane shook off their previous defeats with a comprehensive thrashing of the beleaguered Eels with captain Allan Langer and Scott Blacker both grabbing braces.  

It seemed as though the Broncos would score from every attack as they continuously sliced through Parramatta’s defence with Glenn Lazurus, Peter Ryan, Wendell Sailor and Darren Smith all crossing. 

Unsurprisingly, Michael Hancock and Steve Renouf also got over the whitewash and they would finish as the club’s joint top scorers with 15 apiece. 

The only points that Ron Hilditch’s side could muster were Joe Bartolo and Michael Buettner tries with Lee Oudenryn kicking nine points. 

They were clear consolation scores as Julian O’Neill added to his try by slotting over eight goals as his side eased their way to a 60-14 victory.

It remains the Eels’ biggest losing margin to the Broncos of 46 points and their heaviest loss to them.

Parramatta: Woods; Oudenryn, Fawcett, Muchmore, Frare; Buettner, Lawler; Dunn, McPhail, Sampson, Morgan, King, Appleby. Subs: Campbell, Bartolo, Howlett, Wyer.

Brisbane: O’Neill; Sailor, Renouf, Hancock, Hauff; Walker, Langer; Lazarus, Driscoll, Gee, Ryan, Green, Smith. Subs: Blacker, Plath, Lockyer. 

What happened next?

Parramatta

Parramatta’s season to forget continued in the same vein as they promptly lost their next nine games, ending 1995 with 11 consecutive losses as they finished 19th.

They only avoided the dreaded wooden spoon by North Queensland Cowboys having a worse campaign, collecting only two points. 

Brisbane

Brisbane’s inconsistency continued as after beating Sydney City, they lost to Newcastle and Cronulla, making it four defeats in six matches. 

However, Bennett’s side regained their ruthless streak as they went into the finals on the back of six consecutive victories to claim third place. 

This gave them a qualifying final at second-placed Canberra and once again the Raiders came out on top, losing 14-8. 

They were given a second chance with a game against Sydney Bulldogs who had finished sixth but they fell to a 24-10 defeat. 

In some consolation though, the Bulldogs did go on to claim the title beating Canberra in the preliminary finals and Manly in the Grand Final. 

By Sam Harris

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