10 of Rugby League's Greatest Dynasties

Over the years rugby league has seen some amazing teams dominate the competition for periods of time. Although some of these teams did not win the premiership every single year of their dominant form, it is hard to dispute the impact they had in the game. The following teams, in no particular order, are some of the greatest to ever play the game. Don't forget to comment your opinion below! The Green Machine Reign Supreme (Canberra Raiders 1987-1994) It can be argued that the Raiders reign of dominance over rugby league didn’t begin until they beat the Balmain Tigers 19-14 in a historic first grand final win in 1989. However, in 1987 although facing defeat the Raiders made their maiden grand final against the Sea Eagles and even though they did lose that season laid the foundation for what was to come now that players like Mal Meninga and Gary Belcher had obtained grand final experience that they were able to build on in later years. Between 1987 and 1994 the Raiders appeared in 5 grand finals in 8 years, winning 3. It was during this time that players such as Meninga, Belcher, Daley and Stuart cemented themselves as some of the greatest rugby league players of their era. The Raiders won the 1989 and 1990 premierships back to back, they were the dominant team in the 1991 grand final for around 50 minutes of the game (sorry Penrith), with underrated winger Matthew Wood having a great game scoring the both the Raiders tries in that game. Then the dynasty was put to a close after the 1994 grand final with the Raiders dominating the Bulldogs in a 36-12 victory with veteran captain Mal Meninga riding off into the metaphorical sunset, retiring with one last premiership. Fear the Red V (St. George Dragons 1955-1966) It would be pretty hard to write a list about rugby league dynasties and not include arguably the dynasty to end all dynasties. For 11 years most of rugby league's older fan base would tell you the Dragons “terrorised” the competition (except for Dragons fans of course). To be fair to the Dragons, it would be pretty difficult to defeat a side that boasts some of the greatest names to ever grace the game, with names such as Norm Provan, Reg Gasnier, John Raper and Graeme Langlands donning the red V during this time. Although they did win 11 in a row there is one grand final victory during this time that stands out. That grand final is the 1963 grand final where the Dragons scrapped out a low scoring win against the Western Suburbs Magpies in a muddy affair with the famous picture of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons being captured post game, which in later years has become the design for the NRL’s premiership trophy. The Dogs of War (Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 1980-1988) The Bulldogs were one of two teams (we’ll get to the other one later) that dominated one of the most memorable decades in recent history. The Bulldogs featured in 5 of the 1980’s grand finals, winning 4. This dynasty earned the Bulldogs the nickname “The Dogs of War” with victories in 1980, 1984, 1985 and 1988. With players such as Steve Mortimer leading the pack the Bulldogs found success, proving they could get a result against tough competition winning the 84’ grand final by 2 points against the Eels and in 85’ a point against the Dragons. Cane Toad Kings (Queensland Maroons 2006-) New South Wales readers look away. For the past 11 years, the Queensland State of Origin team has dominated the annual representative series winning 10 of the past 11 origin series, including an 8 year unbeaten run from 2006 to 2013. Although over these years the refereeing has been questioned by Blues fans it is hard to deny the sheer talent Queensland can boast with players such as Jonathan Thurston, Darren Lockyer, Greg Inglis, Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, all immortal clabber players being key factors as to why this dynasty has lasted so long and to be honest, it could continue for a while longer. Players such as Cameron Munster and Anthony Milford emerging as future mainstays in the Queensland state of origin side, with good timing too with Jonathan Thurston announcing his representative career ending in 2017 and with Cronk, Smith, Slater and Inglis likely to follow suit in the coming years. Fun fact this article is being written by a New South Wales fan. Sweet Home Parramatta! (Parramatta Eels 1981-1986) Now to the other dominant side of the 1980’s the Parramatta Eels. In the time of their dynasty, the Eels played in 5 grand finals, leaving with the silverware 4 times, mirroring the efforts of rivals the Bulldogs. In 1981 the Eels came back from a halftime deficit to defeat the Newtown Jets and gain their maiden title. The next year the Eels would be the first team to win rugby league’s new “Holy Grail” the Winfield Cup, the first trophy to display the aforementioned image of Norm Provan and Arthur Summons embracing one another. Between 1981 and 1983 the Eels won all 3 grand finals with Brett Kenny scoring a double in the 3 games. In 1986 the Eels edged out the Bulldogs in a tryless grand final winning 4-2, sending club legends Michael Cronin and Ray Price into retirement as champions. The Bronco Brigade (Brisbane Broncos 1992-2000) When you think of rugby league in the 90’s it is hard not to think of the team in the Maroon and Gold, the Broncos. With 4 grand final wins in the 90’s and 5 in this dynasty, the Broncos dominated. In the early years of the Broncos reign players like Steve Renouf and Allan Langer became rugby league stars, with emerging talents Gordon Tallis and Darren Lockyer growing into key players nearing the end of the dynasty. Some would say the Broncos dynasty lasted between 1991 and 2010 with the tricolours not missing a semifinals series in that time, but it is the 1990’s where the Broncos shone with premiership wins in 1992, 1993, 1997 (Super League) and 1998, with the Broncos ending the dynasty with a 14-6 victory over the Sydney Roosters in 2000. The Lightning Strikes (Melbourne Storm 2006-) It could be a coincidence but it’s funny how both the Storm’s dynasty and the Maroon’s dynasty both began in 2006 and is still continuing now, and it’s also funny how Cameron Smith, Billy Slater and Cooper Cronk have been crucial for both teams during this time. Of course, the Storm’s success in recent years has been due largely to Smith, Slater and Cronk’s talent and leadership throughout the years.The Storm’s dynasty kicks off in 2006 with them finishing 1st on the ladder, however coming up short 15-8 to the Broncos in the grand final. Although that wasn’t the greatest start to the dynasty the Storm has since dominated the NRL playing in 7 grand finals in 11 years, winning 4*. The Storm notably dominating in 2007* beating the Sea Eagles 34-8 and beating the Cowboys 34-6 in 2017, which leads this writer to believe they’ll win the 2027 grand final 34-4 (you heard it here first). *Storm stripped of 2007 and 2009 grand final wins due to salary cap scandal. Roosters Ready to Rumble (Sydney Roosters 2002-2004) Obviously, this dynasty didn’t last very long and the Roosters did only win one premiership during this time, however, the Roosters dominance during this short period of time should not go uncredited. In 2002 the Roosters won their first grand final since 1975 beating the Warriors 30-8. The next year they went into the 2003 grand final firm favourites and although losing gave the Panthers a real run for their money in what is known as one of the roughest grand finals in the modern era with big hits and multiple injuries. In 2004 the Roosters came so close losing 16-13 to the Bulldogs in a game where they entered minor premiers and Brad Fittler's final game. Glory Glory to South Sydney (1908-1971) So this dynasty was long-lasting, and yes the Rabbitohs did not win most of the grand finals during this time but they did win more than any other team, winning 20 premierships between 1908 and 1971. This dynasty boasted some of the greatest players the game has seen such as Ron Coote, Clive Churchill and Bob McCarthy. To make this dynasty even sweeter the Rabbitohs begun and ended their dynasty in defeating two big rivals in grand finals. The Bunnies beat the Roosters in the inaugural rugby league grand final in a 14-12 victory, then in 1971 defeating the Dragons 16-10. Doin’ the Eagle Rock (1970-1978) If the Eels/Bulldogs dominated the 80’s and the Broncos dominated the 90’s then the 70’s belonged to the Sea Eagles. Although losing the 1970 grand final to the Rabbitohs, the Sea Eagles soon patched up any weaknesses in their game-winning 4 grand finals in the 1970’s. These premierships came in 1972, 1973, 1976 and 1978. The 1973 and 1978 wins against the Sharks being arguably the most notable, with the 1973 final being known as the “most violent grand final in rugby league history” and the 1978 grand final having to be replayed after the first game ending in an 11 all draw, Manly dominated the replay winning 16-0. This dynasty also included names such as Ken Irvine who is the NRL’s all-time leading try scorer with 212 tries and club legend Bob Fulton.