NRL Grand Final Winners: Complete List

Your Ultimate Guide to Every Premiership Decider Since 1908

Look, I'll be honest with you—there's nothing quite like Grand Final day in the NRL. The build-up, the nerves, the roar of the crowd, and that moment when the full-time siren sounds and we know who's taking the trophy home. Whether you're a die-hard Sydney Roosters fan who's been through the highs and lows, or a newcomer trying to wrap your head around the history, having a complete list of NRL Grand Final winners is essential.

Think of it as your footy bible. You'll use it to settle arguments at the pub, impress your mates with your knowledge of the Eastern Suburbs Roosters' golden eras, and understand just how special those premierships really are. By the end of this guide, you'll have a practical checklist to navigate every Grand Final winner from the very first season right through to today. No more fumbling for Wikipedia—this is your one-stop shop.

So grab a cold one, settle into your favourite chair, and let's dive into the history of the game we love.

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What You'll Need Before We Start

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, here's what you should have on hand:

• A reliable internet connection – You'll want to fact-check a few moments or look up specific match reports.
• A notepad or notes app – Trust me, you'll want to jot down some stats for your next trivia night.
• Patience and an open mind – The NRL Grand Final history is rich, and there are plenty of surprises along the way.
• Your Roosters Membership card – Okay, maybe not literally, but having a sense of club pride helps when we talk about the Chooks' legendary runs.

A quick disclaimer: This guide is for educational and entertainment purposes only. I'm not a historian or statistician—just a passionate footy fan who loves the game. If you're after official records, head to the NRL's website. And remember, if you're ever dealing with an injury from your own playing days, please see a qualified professional. We don't want you hurting yourself trying to relive a 40-metre try from 1975.

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Step 1: Understand the Origins – The NSWRFL Era (1908–1994)

The NRL didn't just appear overnight. Before the big league we know today, there was the New South Wales Rugby Football League (NSWRFL). This is where it all began, and if you're a Roosters fan, you'll love this part.

What to look for:

• The very first Grand Final was in 1908 between South Sydney and Eastern Suburbs. Yes, the Roosters (then known as Eastern Suburbs) were there from the start.
• The Roosters won their first premiership in 1911, beating Glebe. That's over 110 years of history, folks.
• During this era, the Roosters had some golden periods, including back-to-back titles in 1912–1913 and again in 1935–1937.

Pro tip: When you're looking at old lists, remember that the competition structure changed a few times. Some seasons had a finals series, others were straight knockout. Don't get too caught up in the format—just enjoy the history.

Common mistake: People often forget that the Roosters were originally called "Eastern Suburbs." When you see "Eastern Suburbs" on a list from the early 1900s, that's your Chooks. Don't confuse them with the Western Suburbs Magpies—completely different club.

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Step 2: Navigate the ARL and Super League War Years (1995–1997)

Now we get to the messy bit. The mid-90s saw the Super League war tear the game apart. For two seasons (1997–1998), there were two separate competitions running at the same time. It was chaos, but it also gave us some memorable Grand Finals.

What to look for:

• In 1995, the ARL Grand Final was won by the Sydney Bulldogs (now Canterbury-Bankstown).
• In 1996, Manly-Warringah took the title.
• In 1997, there were two Grand Finals: one ARL (Newcastle Knights) and one Super League (Brisbane Broncos). Yes, two premierships were awarded that year. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
• The Roosters didn't win a title during this period, but they were building towards something special.

Pro tip: If you're listing winners for the modern NRL era (post-1998), you can safely ignore the 1997 Super League Grand Final unless you're being pedantic. Most official records recognise the unified competition from 1998 onwards.

Common mistake: Don't list the 1997 Super League winner as an NRL premiership. The NRL didn't exist until 1998. It's a common error, and it'll get you corrected faster than a forward pass.

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Step 3: Master the NRL Era (1998–Present)

This is the big one. From 1998 onwards, the NRL has been the top-tier competition in Australia. This is where the Roosters have truly shone, with four premierships in this period (2002, 2013, 2018, 2019).

What to look for:

• The Roosters' 2002 Grand Final win over the New Zealand Warriors was a massive moment for the club. It was their first premiership in 27 years. If you're a Roosters fan, you know exactly where you were when that final siren sounded.
• The 2013 Grand Final was a classic—Roosters 26, Manly 18.
• The back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 were something special. Under Trent Robinson's coaching, the Roosters became the first club in the NRL era to win consecutive premierships. That's a massive achievement.
• In 2018, the Roosters beat Melbourne Storm 21-6. In 2019, they defeated Canberra Raiders 14-8. Both games were played at the Sydney Football Stadium (now Allianz Stadium).

Pro tip: When you're listing winners, make sure you include the year, the winner, the runner-up, and the score. It adds context and makes your list more useful for trivia nights.

Common mistake: Don't confuse the NRL Grand Final with the Super Bowl. Yes, they're both big games, but the terminology is different. You'll get laughed out of the pub if you call it the "Super Bowl of rugby league."

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Step 4: Create Your Master List – The Complete NRL Grand Final Winners

Now it's time to put it all together. Here's your definitive list of every NRL Grand Final winner since 1998. I've included the score and the runner-up for each year.

Note: The Roosters have appeared in seven Grand Finals since 1998, winning four (2002, 2013, 2018, 2019).

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Step 5: Add Context – The Roosters' Greatest Grand Final Moments

Now that you've got your list, it's time to add some flavour. Here are the moments that make these games unforgettable:

2002 Grand Final – The Drought Breaker After 27 years without a premiership, the Roosters finally got the job done against the Warriors. It was played at the Sydney Football Stadium, and the atmosphere was electric.

2013 Grand Final – The Robbo Era Begins Trent Robinson's first premiership as coach. The Roosters beat Manly in a classic that went down to the wire.

2018 Grand Final – The First of Back-to-Back Under Robinson's guidance, the Roosters dismantled Melbourne Storm 21-6.

2019 Grand Final – History Made The Roosters became the first club in the NRL era to win back-to-back premierships. The 14-8 win over Canberra was a defensive masterclass.

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Step 6: Use Your List Like a Pro

Now that you've got your complete list, here's how to make the most of it:

For trivia nights: Memorise the Roosters' four NRL-era premierships. When someone asks, "When did the Roosters last win the Grand Final?" you can confidently say 2019.

For pub arguments: If someone says the Roosters haven't won in a while, remind them that back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 is something only a handful of clubs have achieved.

For your own enjoyment: Use this list to track your favourite club's progress. If you're a Roosters fan, you'll notice the gaps between titles—2002, 2013, 2018, 2019. The pattern is there if you look closely.

Pro tip: Share this list with your local footy club or your Roosters Membership group. It's a great conversation starter, especially during the off-season when we're all craving footy.

Common mistake: Don't rely on memory alone. Even the most dedicated fans get the scores wrong. Keep this list handy, and you'll never be caught out.

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Pro Tips for Grand Final History Buffs

1. Know the venues: The Sydney Football Stadium (now Allianz Stadium) has hosted plenty of Grand Finals, including the Roosters' 2018 and 2019 wins. Stadium Australia (now Accor Stadium) hosted many others. Don't mix them up.
2. Remember the streaks: The Roosters' back-to-back titles in 2018–2019 were the first since Brisbane in 1992–1993. It's a rare achievement.
3. Understand the NRL Draw: The Grand Final is always the last game of the season. The NRL Draw determines who plays whom during the regular season, but the Grand Final is where legends are made.
4. Respect the history: The Roosters have been around since 1908. Their jersey (the iconic red, white, and blue) has seen it all. When you're listing winners, remember the Eastern Suburbs years—they count.
5. Don't forget the minor premiers: The NRL Premiership is the big one, but the minor premiership (finishing first on the ladder) is also a significant achievement. The Roosters have won the minor premiership several times, including 2013, 2015, and 2018.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Calling it the "Super Bowl": It's the Grand Final, or the Premiership decider. Never the Super Bowl.
• Confusing the Roosters with the Rabbitohs: Both are from Sydney, but they're very different clubs. The Roosters are from the Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Paddington, etc.), while Souths are from Redfern.
• Forgetting the Super League era: If you're listing all premierships since 1908, include the 1997 Super League winner. If you're only listing NRL-era winners, start from 1998.
• Mixing up the Roosters' jersey: It's a playing kit, not a guernsey. In rugby league, we say "jersey" or "strip."

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Your Grand Final Winners Checklist

Here's a quick summary of everything you need to do to master the NRL Grand Final winners list:

• Understand the NSWRFL era (1908–1994) and the Roosters' early success.
• Navigate the ARL and Super League war years (1995–1997) without getting confused.
• Master the NRL era (1998–present) and the Roosters' four premierships.
• Create your master list with year, winner, runner-up, and score.
• Add context with the Roosters' greatest Grand Final moments.
• Use your list for trivia, pub arguments, and personal enjoyment.
• Avoid common mistakes like calling it the Super Bowl or confusing clubs.
• Share your knowledge with fellow fans at your local footy club.

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The NRL Grand Final winners list isn't just a collection of names and scores—it's the story of our game. From the Eastern Suburbs Roosters winning the very first premiership in 1908 to the modern-day dynasty under Trent Robinson, every Grand Final adds a new chapter.

For Roosters fans, the journey has been incredible. We've seen the highs of back-to-back titles and the lows of near misses. But through it all, the Bondi faithful have kept the faith. Whether you're watching from the stands at Allianz Stadium or from your couch in the Eastern Suburbs, there's nothing quite like seeing your team lift the trophy.

So the next time someone asks you who won the Grand Final in 2018, you can smile, rattle off the score, and maybe even throw in a story about James Tedesco's try. Because that's what being a footy fan is all about—knowing your history, loving your club, and sharing the passion with everyone around you.

Now go forth, share this list, and make sure everyone knows just how special the Roosters' premierships really are. Up the Chooks!

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For more insights into the modern NRL clubs, check out our overview of modern NRL clubs. And if you're looking to get involved at the grassroots level, don't miss our guide to local footy clubs.