Parramatta Eels 1981 Grand Final Retro Jersey

The 1981 NSWRFL Grand Final was a pivotal moment in Australian rugby league, showcasing a clash between the Parramatta Eels and the Newtown Jets. Played on September 27, 1981, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the game drew a crowd of 57,535. Parramatta secured their first-ever premiership with a 20–11 victory. The Eels’ points came from two tries by Brett Kenny and one by Eric Grothe, with Mick Cronin adding four goals. For the Jets, captain Tommy Raudonikis scored a try early in the second half, and Ken Wilson kicked two goals. This match was a milestone for Parramatta, marking the end of a long journey to their inaugural premiership since the club’s founding in 1947. For Newtown, despite the defeat, it was a significant achievement as their first Grand Final appearance since 1955 and their last before exiting the top-tier competition in 1983.