Grand final rematch comes to Campbelltown Stadium

Anyone  with black, gold and white blood running through their veins will remember every step of the sequence that made Benji Marshall a household name and made Pat Richards forever a Tigers’ hero.

Campbelltown Mayor Paul Lake and Wests Tigers centre Tim Simona are ready to rope a“cowboy”, Macquarie Fields resident John Durban, ahead of Saturday‘s game at Campbelltown Stadium. Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Anyone  with black, gold and white blood running through their veins will remember every step of the sequence that made Benji Marshall a household name and made Pat Richards forever a Tigers’ hero.

Ten years on from the 2005 NRL grand final, and the ‘Benji flick pass’ is still one of the most replayed tries of modern history.

On Saturday, Wests Tigers and North Queensland will meet again at Campbelltown Sports Stadium to commemorate the Tigers’ historic triumph.

A decade has passed since the Wests Tigers defeated the Cowboys in the decider, giving the fledgling franchise its first premiership since the controversial merger between Western Suburbs and Balmain in 2000.

And the moment that made the moment was Benji’s audacious pass to set up the Pat Richards’ try.

Picture: Melvyn Knipe

Matt Bowen can’t do a thing after Marshall throws that magical pass to Richards in the 2005 Grand Final. Picture: Brett Costello

Pat Richards scores the try. Picture: Craig Wilson

Mark O'Neill and Benji Marshall hold the trophy in victory. Picture: Gregg Porteous

The scoreline was tied at 6-6 with the shadows of half-time looming. The Cowboys kicked deep into Tigers territory.

Marshall fielded the ball and decided to hit the gas and split the defence. He veered over to the left wing and was set to be rounded up by the Cowboys cover defence.

Marshall then did what only he could – he flick passed the ball to Richards and drew the defender, leaving Richards to storm down the left flank and brutally palm another defender off before scoring one of the most magical tries in grand final history.

It was such a good pass most people had to see it on super slow-mo to appreciate the skill involved.

Tigers coach Jason Taylor said it was important for the club to remember the win.

“It’s really important to remember these things; the club is still in its infancy,” he said. “Other clubs have their long histories to draw on, we only have 15 years. The fact we’ve won a premiership is massive.

“It’s an important game as they all are and it’s our second at Campbelltown this year. We had a good win last time we played here so we want to follow that up with another good performance.”

TENTH ANNIVERSARY: Wests Tigers defeated North Queensland Cowboys 30-16 in the 2005 NRL grand final

GAME DAY: Saturday, gates open at 2.50pm at Campbelltown Stadium.

First match is NSW Cup v Wyong Roos (3pm), Holden Cup v Cowboys (5.15pm), the main game (7.30pm)

■ Tickets: ticketek.com.au