THROW BACK THURSDAY - THE THREE POINT DROP GOAL

EachThursday, during the season, thanks to CRYO Sydney, we step back in time to bring you astory from our rich history. In the lead up to our game v NorthSydney, we’re going back to 1982 and a truly unique occurrence infirst grade footy. 

THETHREE POINT DROP GOAL

It’s a feat that has only occurred once inthe premiership’s 111-year history and the mighty Bluebags were involved –although probably not in the way they would have liked.

In Round 18, 1982 the Jets were involved ina tight tussle with fellow foundation club, North Sydney at Bear Park.With seven minutes left on the clock and Norths holding a 12-11 advantage, North Sydney’s five-eighth Mitchell Cox attempted a dropgoal. The goal was successful but in the process of taking the kick, Newtown halfback KenWilson had clattered into Cox knocking him over in the process.

No harm was done, but after conferring witha touch judge, referee Jack Danzey determined that Wilson’s contact on Cox hadbeen illegal and thus set up a unique piece of rugby league history. 

You see, according to rules of the game:“If a player fouls an opponent who is attempting a drop goal, a penalty kickshall be awarded in front of the goal posts.

“If the attempt at drop goal is successful,a kick at goal must be taken from the penalty kick.”

In other words, despite Cox’s kick beingsuccessful, Wilson’sindiscretion meant that the Bears were also awarded a penalty right in front.Hooker John Gray duly slotted the goal, giving North Sydneya 15-11 win and registering the first (and so far, ever) three-point drop goalever seen in first-grade rugby league in Australia.

It was a disappointing afternoon all roundfor the Jets, who had trailed 7-2 early but fought back to lead 11-7 during thesecond stanza, thanks to a try from Steve Bowden and some radar-like kickingfrom Wilson.

However, a footballing masterclass from Coxduring the later stages of the game ultimately proved vital. With 11 minutesremaining, the former Wallaby scored a fine individual try to put his side backin the lead before kicking his historic field goal. 

North Sydney 15 (M.Cox, L.Kelly tries;J.Gray 4 goals, Cox field goal) def. Newtown 11(Bowden try; Wilson4 goals)

CRYOSydney is proud to be Australia’s leader in cutting edge cryotherapy, fat cellreduction and LED technologies and treatments. For more information: www.cryo.com.au