Grand Final
| Manly-Warringah | Position | Eastern Suburbs |
|---|---|---|
| Graham Eadie | FB | Allan McKean |
| Ken Irvine | WG | Jim Porter |
| Ray Branighan | CE | Harry Cameron |
| Bob Fulton | CE | Mark Harris |
| Max Brown | WG | Bill Mullins |
| Ian Martin | FE | John Ballesty |
| Dennis Ward | HB | Kevin Junee |
| Bill Hamilton | PR | John Armstrong |
| Fred Jones (c) | HK | Peter Moscatt |
| John O'Neill | PR | Arthur Beetson |
| Allan Thomson | SR | Greg Bandiera |
| Terry Randall | SR | John Quayle |
| Malcolm "Mal" Reilly | LK | Ron Coote (c) |
| Bench | Laurie Freier | |
| Ron Willey | Coach | Don Furner |
After twenty-five years in the competition and five Grand Final losses, Manly finally broke through to win the club's first NSWRFL premiership.
In a controversial match, the Sea-Eagles downed the Eastern Suburbs Roosters 19 to 14, thus shedding their 'bridesmaids' tag. The Roosters were highly critical of referee Keith Page after the match, claiming both of Manly's tries shouldn't have been awarded. To add to their rage, Easts crossed for 2 tries that were disallowed.
A dour first half saw the teams go to the break at 4-all, before a try by hooker Fred Jones put Manly ahead. Jones appeared to drop the ball as he attempted to ground it, but was awarded the try nonetheless. Midway through the second half, controversy flared again when Manly centre Ray Branighan appeared to stop over the Eastern Suburbs try line after accepting what looked like a forward pass from prop Bill Hamilton. However, referee Page allowed it and the Manly fans began celebrating, knowing that at 19-4 their first premiership victory was assured. Although Easts fought back and brought the score to 19-14, time was out for the Roosters.
Manly-Warringah 19 (Tries: Fred Jones, Ray Branighan. Goals: Ray Branighan 6. Fld Goal: Bob Fulton)
Eastern Suburbs 14 (Tries: John Ballesty, Bill Mullins. Goals: Allan McKean 4 )
Man of the Match: Dennis Ward (Manly).
Referee: Keith Page
Attendance: 54,537
Read more about this topic: 1972 NSWRFL Season
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