Greg Inglis: Is this the greatest try ever? We rate them
Greg Inglis’ 90-metre try against the Broncos, in which he beat seven defenders with his unique blend of speed, power, athleticism and a punishing fend, will be spoken about in terms of reverence for decades to come.
But where exactly does it belong in the pantheon of great individual NRL tries?
Read on and enjoy the show …
Harold Horder. Photo: Wikipedia
No.1: Harold Horder – South Sydney v Glebe, 1912
Souths’ debutant winger Harold Horder announced his arrival on the premiership scene with a try that retains mythical status more than 100 years on.
It is said the 18-year-old Horder beat every player in the Glebe side on his bamboozling 90-metre run to the try-line, while he went on to become the most potent try-scorer the code has ever produced, crossing 152 times in just 136 first grade games. There is no footage of his legendary run, so who are we to suggest it has ever been bettered?
No.2: Greg Inglis – South Sydney v Brisbane, 2014
Superstar Rabbitohs fullback Inglis’ try has drawn extraordinary praise over the last 48 hours – but not a word of it is hyperbole. His diagonal 90-metre run showcased his unmatched blend of speed, power, athleticism and balance, along with a devastating fend, leaving seven Broncos strewn in his wake.
No.3: Eric Grothe – Parramatta v Canterbury, 1983
A blisteringly quick bulldozer of a winger the likes of which rugby league had never seen, Eels powerhouse Eric Grothe produced his most famous try in a finals defeat of Canterbury in ’83. Grothe bumped, fended, swatted and strode his way past six Bulldogs defenders on an unforgettable 60-metre run at the SCG.
No.4: Scott Gale – Balmain v North Sydney, 1986
One of the great instinctive entertainers of the 1980s, Balmain utility back Scott Gale was a master of the chip-and-chase. He produced his most dazzling effort in the Tigers’ fifth-place playoff victory over Norths in ’86, kicking over the top on his own 40-metre line and regathering on the full, before kicking ahead again and winning a thrilling chase to ball on the Bears’ try-line.
No.5: Ty Williams – North Queensland v Manly, 2005
Cowboys winger Ty Williams scored a hat-trick in a 26-22 win over Manly regarded as one of the great NRL regular season clashes – including possibly the longest individual try ever scored. Williams took an audacious in-goal pass from fullback Matt Bowen at the back of the in-goal and beat a ring of defenders to charge into open territory. The determined challenge of Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart knocked Williams off balance, but he regained his feet to fend off Steve Menzies and dot down for a 110-metre special.