1997 Rugby League Draw

Premiership Round 1, Friday 7th March 1997.

Parramatta 10 (Chris King, Shane Whereat tries;
  John Simon 1 from 1, Ian Herron 0 from 1 goals) beat
North Sydney 8 (Billy Moore, Chris Caruana tries;
  Jason Taylor 0 from 2 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 6-8. Scrums: 12-13. Penalties: 8-6.
Crowd: 25,114. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.
Man of the match: Troy Campbell (Parramatta, NINE).


Premiership Round 1, Saturday 8th March 1997.

Gold Coast 24 (Shane Russell 4, Jamie Goddard tries;
  Graham Mackay 1 from 2, Brendan Hurst 1 from 4 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 16 (Brandon Pearson 2, Andrew Willis tries;
  Andrew Leeds 2 from 4 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 14-6. Scrums: 6-7. Penalties: 7-11.
Crowd: 6490. Referee: Paul Simpkins. TV: NINE.

Manly Warringah 14 (Terry Hill 2, Jim Serdaris tries;
  Craig Innes 1 from 2, Craig Field 0 from 2 goals) beat
Balmain 10 (Darren Senter, Tim Brasher tries;
  Tim Brasher 1 from 3 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 4-8. Scrums: 4-9. Penalties: 10-8.
Crowd: 18,247. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Man of the match: Jim Serdaris.


Premiership Round 1, Sunday 9th March 1997.

Illawarra 50 (Brett Rodwell 3, Rod Wishart 2, Wayne Clifford 2,
  Brad Mackay, Shaun Timmins tries; Rod Wishart 7 from 9 goals) beat
South Sydney 10 (Matt Manning try; Matt Manning 3 from 3 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 20-10. Scrums: 5-4. Penalties: 11-7.
Crowd: 7697. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Sinbin: Jason Tassell (South Sydney), 26.

Newcastle 11 (Darren Albert 2 tries; Robbie O'Davis 1 from 3 goals;
  Robbie O'Davis field goal) beat
St George 6 (Wayne Bartrim 3 from 3 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 6-2. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 11-10.
Crowd: 9389. Referee: Eddie Ward.

Sydney City 34 (Shane Rigon 2, Robert Miles, Ivan Cleary, Matt Sing,
  Jacin Sinclair, Scott Gourley tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 7 goals) beat
South Queensland 10 (Jason Wendt, Jason Hudson tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 1 from 3 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 18-10. Scrums: 7-4. Penalties: 7-6.
Crowd: 8475. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

Premiership Round 2, Friday 14th March 1997.

Manly Warringah 18 (Craig Field 2, Jim Serdaris tries;
  Craig Field 3 from 4 goals) beat
St George 14 (Adrian Brunker 2, Mark Bell tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 1 from 4 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 16-0. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 8-10.
Crowd: 16,706 (gates opened). Referee: Paul McBlane. TV: NINE.
Sent off: Neil Tierney (Manly Warringah), 75, punching, 1 week.
Man of the match: Daniel Gartner (NINE).


Premiership Round 2, Saturday 15th March 1997.

Sydney City 18 (Dale Shearer, Jack Elsegood tries;
  Ivan Cleary 5 from 7 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 6 (Ken McGuinness try; Andrew Leeds 1 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 14-0. Scrums: 4-4. Penalties: 12-8.
Crowd: 10,105. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.
Sent off: Damian Kennedy (Western Suburbs), 10, high tackle, 2 weeks.
Cited: Harvey Howard (Western Suburbs), high tackle, 4 weeks.
Man of the match: Luke Ricketson (NINE).

Illawarra 18 (Wayne Clifford 2, Rod Wishart tries;
  Rod Wishart 3 from 4 goals) beat
Balmain 10 (William Kennedy try;
  Craig Freer 2 from 3, Michael Withers 1 from 1 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 0-10. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 6-11.
Crowd: 8211. Referee: David Manson.


Premiership Round 2, Sunday 16th March 1997.

South Sydney 26 (Don McLeod 2, Marty Moore, Matthew Hogan,
  Matt Manning tries; Matt Manning 3 from 5 goals) beat
Gold Coast 16 (Shane Russell, Jeremy Schloss, Wes Patten tries;
  Graham Mackay 2 from 3 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 10-10. Scrums: 8-8. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 4404. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

North Sydney 34 (Jason Taylor 2, Nigel Roy, Ben Ikin, Matt Seers,
  David Fairleigh tries; Jason Taylor 5 from 6 goals) beat
Newcastle 20 (Adam McDougall, Leo Dynevor, Robbie O'Davis tries;
  Robbie O'Davis 4 from 5 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 16-12. Scrums: 6-7. Penalties: 5-10.
Crowd: 10,109. Referee: Paul Simpkins.
Sent off: Matthew Johns (Newcastle), 5, high tackle, 1 week.

South Queensland 23 (Mark Protheroe, Troy Pezet, Anthony Bella,
  Michael Eagar tries; Clinton Schifcofske 3 from 4 goals;
  Craig Wilson field goal) beat
Parramatta 6 (Karl Lovell try; Ian Herron 1 from 2 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Crowd: 9523. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.

Premiership Round 3, Friday 21st March 1997.

Manly Warringah 12 (Daniel Gartner, Craig Innes tries;
  Craig Field 2 from 3 goals) beat
North Sydney 8 (Willie Leyshon try; Jason Taylor 2 from 3 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 12-6. Scrums: 6-8. Penalties: 3-5.
Crowd: 18,539. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.

Premiership Round 3, Saturday 22nd March 1997.
Sydney City 8 (Darren Junee try; Ivan Cleary 2 from 3 goals) beat
Parramatta 2 (John Simon 1 from 2 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 0-0. Scrums: 9-9. Penalties: 8-11.
Crowd: 17,254. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Sinbin: Ivan Cleary (Sydney City) 28.

South Sydney 17 (Don McLeod, Matthew Hogan, Peter Driscoll tries;
  Matt Manning 2 from 3, Cole Skelly 0 from 1 goals;
  Darrell Trindall field goal) beat
Western Suburbs 8 (Adam Doyle try;
  Andrew Leeds 1 from 1, Willie Newton 1 from 1 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 10-2. Scrums: 6-8. Penalties: 6-14.
Crowd: 5108. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.

Gold Coast 26 (Andrew King, Jeremy Schloss, Wes Patten,
  Graham Mackay, Chris Orr tries;
  Graham Mackay 2 from 4, Darren Anderson 1 from 1 goals) beat
Balmain 6 (Josh Bostock try; Tim Brasher 1 from 2 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 20-6. Scrums: 8-4. Penalties: 4-11.
Crowd: 9851. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Brendan Hurst (Gold Coast).
Sinbin: Glenn Morrison (Balmain).


Premiership Round 3, Sunday 23rd March 1997.

St George 20 (Daniel Wagon, Jim Lenihan, Shane Kenward tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 4 from 5 goals) beat 
Illawarra  8 (Glen Air try; Rod Wishart 2 from 3 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 18-4. Scrums: 8-9. Penalties: 7-7.
Crowd: 8661. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Newcastle 44 (Adam Muir 3, Leo Dynevor 2, Owen Craigie,
  Darren Albert, Matthew Gidley tries;
  Leo Dynevor 5 from 6, Robbie O'Davis 1 from 3 goals) beat
South Queensland 0
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 22-0. Scrums: 7-12. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 15,114. Referee: Matt Hewitt.
Record: Adam Muir (Newcastle), 3 tries in a match (equalled).
Controversy: Clinton Schifcofske was dropped after a positive
  drug test.

Premiership Round 4, Thursday 27th March 1997.

Western Suburbs 25 (Ken McGuinness, Paul Langmack, Des Hasler,
  Aseri Laing tries; Andrew Leeds 4 from 5 goals;
  Andrew Leeds field goal) beat
Parramatta 14 (David Riolo, Jarrod McCracken tries;
  John Simon 3 from 4 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 12-12. Scrums: 5-4. Penalties: 10-11.
Crowd: 11,592. Referee: Matt Hewitt.


Premiership Round 4, Friday 28th March 1997.
Newcastle 28 (Leo Dynevor 2, Brett Grogan, Lee Jackson,
  Jason Moodie tries; Leo Dynevor 4 from 6 goals) beat
Sydney City 16 (Jack Elsegood, Andrew Walker, Scott Gourley tries;
  Ivan Cleary 2 from 5 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 22-12. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 17,353. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Wayne Richards (Newcastle).
Sinbin: Luke Ricketson (Sydney City).


Premiership Round 4, Saturday 29th March 1997.

North Sydney 18 (Matt Seers, Chris Caruana, Jason Taylor tries;
  Jason Taylor 3 from 4 goals) drew with
Illawarra 18 (Brendon Reeves, Wayne Clifford, Dean Callaway,
  Brendon Hauville tries;
  Rod Wishart 1 from 3, Shaun Timmins 0 from 1 goal)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 4-14. Scrums: 10-9. Penalties: 8-1.
Crowd: 8319. Referee: Paul McBlane. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Brendon Reeves (Illawarra), 36.

Manly Warringah 36 (Terry Hill 3, Craig Hancock 2, Craig Innes,
  Cliff Lyons tries;
  Craig Field 3 from 6, Craig Innes 1 from 1 goals) beat
South Queensland 16 (Andrew Hamilton, Troy Pezet tries;
  Troy Pezet 4 from 4 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 12-4. Scrums: 8-6. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 9147. Referee: Sean Hampstead.

Premiership Round 4, Sunday 30th March 1997.
St George 18 (Lee Murphy, Brad Smith, Ben Kusto tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 3 from 5 goals) beat
Gold Coast 12 (Graham Mackay, Jason Nicol tries;
  Graham Mackay 1 from 1, Darren Anderson 1 from 1 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 16-0. Scrums: 11-10. Penalties: 10-5.
Crowd: 6052. Referee: David Manson.
Sinbin: Scott Zahra (Gold Coast), 30.

Balmain 22 (James Langaloa 3, William Kennedy tries;
  Tim Brasher 3 from 6 goals) beat
South Sydney 16 (Darrell Trindall 2, Don McLeod tries;
  Matt Manning 2 from 4 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 14-10. Scrums: 4-5. Penalties: 7-8.
Crowd: 11,319. Referee: Paul Simpkins.
Sinbin: Ellery Hanley (Balmain).
Sinbin: Brendan O'Meara (South Sydney), 30.

Premiership Round 5, Friday 4th April 1997.

Manly Warringah 34 (Andrew Hunter 2, Terry Hill, Daniel Gartner,
  Danny Moore, Craig Innes tries; Craig Field 5 from 6 goals) beat
Sydney City 24 (Andrew Walker, Dale Shearer, Luke Ricketson,
  Ivan Cleary tries; Ivan Cleary 4 from 4 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 16-18. Scrums: 5-12. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 18,185. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 5, Saturday 5th April 1997.

North Sydney 20 (Ben Ikin, Michael Buettner, Chris Caruana tries;
  Jason Taylor 4 from 4 goals) beat
Gold Coast 16 (Shane Russell, Wes Patten, Chris Nahi tries;
  Darren Anderson 2 from 3, Graham Mackay 0 from 2 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 4-6. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 4-7.
Crowd: 9280. Referee: Paul Simpkins. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 5, Sunday 6th April 1997.

Newcastle 29 (Adam Muir, Marc Glanville, Darren Albert, Bill Peden,
  Leo Dynevor tries; Leo Dynevor 4 from 6 goals;
  Marc Glanville field goal) beat
Parramatta 10 (Steve Collins, Ian Herron tries;
  Ian Herron 1 from 2 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 16-6. Scrums: 10-8. Penalties: 9-8.
Crowd: 21,225. Referee: Paul McBlane.

Illawarra 14 (Adam Bristow, Shaun Timmins, Trent Barrett tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 1 from 1, Brendon Reeves 0 from 2 goals) beat
South Queensland 6 (Jason Hudson try; Jason Hudson 1 from 2 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 4-0. Scrums: 13-15. Penalties: 5-9.
Crowd: 6144. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

St George 34 (Wayne Bartrim 3, Nathan Brown 2, Jamie Ainscough tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 5 from 7 goals) beat
South Sydney 4 (Don McLeod try; Matt Manning 0 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 18-0. Scrums: 9-10. Penalties: 5-7.
Crowd: 7200. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.

Balmain 28 (Michael Withers, Michael Gillett, James Langaloa,
  Glenn Morrison, Greg Donaghey, Tim Brasher tries;
  Michael Withers 2 from 6 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 0
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 14-0. Scrums: 12-12. Penalties: 5-9.
Crowd: 9079. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: William Kennedy (Western Suburbs), 35.
Sinbin: Shane Walker (Balmain), 44.

Premiership Round 6, Friday 11th April 1997.

Newcastle 8 (Matthew Gidley try; Leo Dynevor 2 from 2 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 4 (Darren Willis try; Andrew Leeds 0 from 2 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 2-0. Scrums: 4-11. Penalties: 7-7.
Crowd: 11,185. Referee: Sean Hampstead. TV: NINE.

Premiership Round 6, Saturday 12th April 1997.

Manly Warringah 18 (Daniel Gartner, Neil Tierney, Cliff Lyons tries;
  Craig Field 3 from 4 goals) beat
Parramatta 8 (Dean Pay try; Ian Herron 2 from 4 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 8-4. Scrums: 5-4. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 20,202. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Sinbin: Jarrod McCracken (Parramatta), 70.
Sinbin: Jarrod McCracken (Parramatta), 70.

North Sydney 34 (Jason Taylor, Michael Buettner, Ben Ikin,
  David Hall, Matt Seers tries;
  Jason Taylor 7 from 8 goals) beat
South Sydney 14 (Marty Moore 2, Paul Quinn tries;
  Cole Skelly 1 from 3 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 16-6. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 6-5.
Crowd: 7158. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Brendan O'Meara (South Sydney), 47.


Premiership Round 6, Sunday 13th April 1997.

St George 16 (Jamie Ainscough, Gavin Clinch tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 4 from 5 goals) beat
Balmain 10 (William Kennedy, James Langaloa tries;
  Michael Withers 1 from 3 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 10-4. Scrums: 4-6. Penalties: 12-6.
Crowd: 8291. Referee: Paul McBlane.

Illawarra 26 (Trent Barrett 2, Brendon Reeves 2, John Cross tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 2 from 3, Brendon Reeves 1 from 2 goals) beat
Sydney City 20 (Ivan Cleary, Andrew Walker, Shane Rigon tries;
  Ivan Cleary 4 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 16-12. Scrums: 5-5. Penalties: 4-8.
Crowd: 7600. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Gold Coast 22 (Darren Anderson, Brendan Hurst, Brett Plowman,
  Matt Dwyer tries;
  Darren Anderson 2 from 3, Graham Mackay 1 from 1 goals) beat
South Queensland 14 (Matt Toshack, Michael Eagar, Paul Hubbard tries;
  Jason Hudson 1 from 3 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 12-8. Scrums: 5-5. Penalties: 1-8.
Crowd: 5290. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Jamie Goddard (Gold Coast).
Sinbin: Jason Hudson (South Queensland).

Premiership Round 7, Friday 18th April 1997.

Balmain 9 (Michael Gillett try; Michael Withers 2 from 3 goals;
  Michael Gillett field goal) beat
North Sydney 7 (Jason Taylor 3 from 4 goals;
  Jason Taylor field goal)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 6-2. Scrums: 7-3. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 12,613. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Greg Florimo (North Sydney).


Premiership Round 7, Saturday 19th April 1997.

Western Suburbs 24 (Andrew Leeds, Darren Willis, Brandon Pearson,
  Aseri Laing tries; Andrew Leeds 4 from 7 goals) beat
St George 8 (Adrian Brunker try; Wayne Bartrim 2 from 2 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 12-8. Scrums: 6-9. Penalties: 4-13.
Crowd: 5454. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.

Parramatta 23 (Stuart Kelly 2, Shane Whereat, Jason Bell tries;
  Ian Herron 3 from 5 goals; John Simon field goal) beat
Illawarra 16 (Wayne Clifford, Adam Bristow, Will Robinson tries;
  Brendon Reeves 1 from 1, Darren Bradstreet 1 from 3 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 20-8. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 4-7.
Crowd: 11,992. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sent off: Paul Carige (Parramatta), 62, ?, ?.

Sydney City 34 (Matt Sing 2, Andrew Walker 2, Shane Rigon,
  Brad Fittler tries; Ivan Cleary 5 from 6 goals) beat
Gold Coast 24 (Brett Plowman, Wes Patten, Jamie Goddard,
  Graham Mackay tries; Brendan Hurst 4 from 5 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 12-18. Scrums: 8-4. Penalties: 9-10.
Crowd: 9211. Referee: Eddie Ward.
Sinbin: Jamie Goddard (Gold Coast).
Sinbin: Wes Patten (Gold Coast).
Sinbin: Sean Garlick (Sydney City).


Premiership Round 7, Sunday 20th April 1997.

Manly Warringah 22 (John Hopoate, Steven Menzies, Andrew Hunter,
  Craig Hancock tries; Craig Field 3 from 4 goals) beat
Newcastle 8 (Jason Moodie, Robbie O'Davis tries;
  Leo Dynevor 0 from 2 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 18-4. Scrums: 4-7. Penalties: 8-6.
Crowd: 15,487. Referee: Paul Simpkins.
Sinbin: Billy Weepu (Manly Warringah), 78.
Sinbin: Lee Jackson (Newcastle), 78.

South Sydney 24 (Darrell Trindall 2, Don McLeod, Darren Burns tries;
  Cole Skelly 4 from 5 goals) beat
South Queensland 20 (Jason Hudson, Matt Toshack, Andrew Hamilton,
  Mark Tookey tries;
  Jason Hudson 1 from 5, Nathan Antonik 1 from 1 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 6-14. Scrums: 8-6. Penalties: 7-10.
Crowd: 4353. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Sent off: Danny Nutley (South Queensland), 23, ?, ?.

Premiership Round 8, Saturday 26th April 1997.

Balmain 18 (Michael Withers 2, Chris McPherson, Glenn Morrison tries;
  Michael Withers 1 from 4 goals) beat
South Queensland 16 (Jason Hudson, Steele Retchless,
  Mark Tookey tries; Clinton Schifcofske 2 from 3 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 8-4. Scrums: 6-4. Penalties: 6-11.
Crowd: 5998. Referee: Mark Oaten. TV: NINE.

Sydney City 42 (Jack Elsegood 3, Brad Fittler 2, Robert Miles,
  Matt Sing, Nigel Gaffey tries;
  Ivan Cleary 5 from 8 goals) beat
South Sydney 0
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 22-0. Scrums: 4-5. Penalties: 5-6.
Crowd: 9123. Referee: Sean Hampstead.


Premiership Round 8, Sunday 27th April 1997.

Parramatta 28 (John Simon, Peter Johnston, Jarrod McCracken,
  Steve Collins, Shane Whereat tries;
  Ian Herron 4 from 5 goals) beat
Gold Coast 10 (Tom O'Reilly, Craig Bowen tries;
  Brendan Hurst 1 from 2 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 24-6. Scrums: 5-17. Penalties: 8-4.
Crowd: 10,093. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

Newcastle 20 (Jason Moodie, Owen Craigie, Matthew Gidley,
  Robbie O'Davis tries;
  Robbie O'Davis 2 from 3, Leo Dynevor 0 from 2 goals) beat
Illawarra 4 (Glen Air try; Brendon Reeves 0 from 1 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 6-4. Scrums: 12-8. Penalties: 9-7.
Crowd: 12,582. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Newcastle: Robbie O'Davis; Darren Albert, Jason Moodie,

North Sydney 54 (Gary Larson 2, Nigel Roy 2, Jason Taylor 2,
  Ben Ikin, David Hall, Chris Caruana tries;
  Jason Taylor 9 from 10 goals) beat
St George 14 (Lance Thompson, Gavin Clinch, Damien Smith tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 1 from 3 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 24-4. Scrums: 4-8. Penalties: 6-9.
Crowd: 13,629. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Western Suburbs 19 (Ciriaco Mescia, Andrew Leeds,
  Ken McGuinness tries; Andrew Leeds 3 from 5 goals;
  Andrew Leeds field goal) beat
Manly Warringah 16 (Terry Hill, Steven Menzies, Cliff Lyons tries;
  Craig Field 2 from 3 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 6-4. Scrums: 11-8. Penalties: 10-11.
Crowd: 10,231. Referee: Eddie Ward.

Premiership Round 9, Friday 2nd May 1997.

North Sydney 20 (Matt Seers, Brett Dallas, Jason Taylor tries;
  Jason Taylor 4 from 6 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 6 (Darren Willis try; Andrew Leeds  1 from 1 goal)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 11-6. Penalties: 8-7.
Crowd: 13,554. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 9, Saturday 3rd May 1997.

Parramatta 32 (Shane Whereat 2, Ian Herron, Jason Smith,
  Steve Collins tries; Ian Herron 6 from 7 goals) beat
South Sydney 26 (Brendan O'Meara, Shannon Donato, Darrell Trindall,
  Peter Stimson, Marty Moore tries; Darrell Trindall 3 from 5 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 18-16. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 9-9.
Crowd: 6219. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.

Gold Coast 32 (Jeremy Schloss 3, Andrew King, Tom O'Reilly,
  Wes Patten tries; Brendan Hurst 3 from 5,
  Graham Mackay 1 from 1 goals) beat
Newcastle 24 (Jason Moodie 2, Mark Hughes, Evan Cochrane tries;
  Leo Dynevor 4 from 4 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 24-6. Scrums: 4-2. Penalties: 4-6.
Crowd: 4900. Referee: Sean Hampstead.

Premiership Round 9, Sunday 4th May 1997.

Illawarra 34 (Brad Mackay, Trent Barrett, John Cross, Brendon Reeves,
  Scott Cram, Shaun Timmins tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 3 from 4, Brendon Reeves 2 from 3 goals) drew with
Manly Warringah 34 (Craig Innes 3, Terry Hill 2, Danny Moore tries;
  Craig Field 5 from 6 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 18-18. Scrums: 4-4. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 9835. Referee: David Manson.
Illawarra: Brendon Reeves; Fili Seru, Brett Rodwell, Shaun Timmins,
  Wayne Clifford; Trent Barrett, Glen Air; Craig Smith, Will Robinson,
  Darren Bradstreet, Adam Bristow, Brad Mackay, John Cross;
  Scott Cram, Maea David, David Cox, Andrew Purcell.
Note: Highest scoring draw in Sydney first grade.

Sydney City 18 (Ivan Cleary, Shane Rigon, Ben Duckworth tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 5 goals) beat
Balmain 14 (Michael Withers 2, Jason Webber tries;
  Michael Withers 1 from 4 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 4-10. Scrums: 6-4. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 11,953. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

St George 32 (Mark Bell 3, Nathan Brown 2, Mark Coyne tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 4 from 7 goals) beat
South Queensland 22 (Michael Eagar, Clinton Schifcofske, C Rawson,
  Andrew Hamilton tries; Clinton Schifcofske 3 from 6 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 10-14. Scrums: 7-5. Penalties: 6-7.
Crowd: 5003. Referee: Matt Hewitt.
Sinbin: Brad Smith (St George), 31.

Premiership Round 10, Friday 9th May 1997.

Sydney City 22 (Andrew Walker, Jack Elsegood, Jacin Sinclair,
  Adrian Lam tries; Ivan Cleary 3 from 6 goals) beat
St George 8 (Wayne Bartrim try; Wayne Bartrim 2 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 12-6. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 7-5.
Crowd: 9238. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 10, Saturday 10th May 1997.

North Sydney 36 (Josh Stuart, Brett Dallas, Nigel Roy, Mark Soden,
  Willie Leyshon, David Hall tries;
  Jason Taylor 6 from 7 goals) beat
South Queensland 22 (Jason Hudson 2, Matt Bickerstaff,
  Matt Toshack tries; Clinton Schifcofske 3 from 5 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 20-8. Scrums: 7-4. Penalties: 2-5.
Crowd: 5447. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.

Parramatta 25 (Jason Bell, John Simon, Stuart Kelly, Jim Dymock tries;
  John Simon 3 from 4, Ian Herron 1 from 3 goals;
  John Simon field goal) beat
Balmain 14 (Jason Webber, William Kennedy tries;
  Michael Withers 3 from 3 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 6-8. Scrums: 8-7. Penalties: 6-8.
Crowd: 11,150. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Western Suburbs 6 (Des Hasler try; Andrew Leeds 1 from 3 goals) beat
Illawarra 2 (Darren Bradstreet 1 from 3 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 0-0. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 7-10.
Crowd: 5546. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Andrew Leeds (Western Suburbs), 39.
Sinbin: Brendon Reeves (Illawarra), 39.


Premiership Round 10, Sunday 11th May 1997.

Manly Warringah 26 (Craig Innes 2, Craig Hancock, Andrew Hunter,
  Steven Menzies, Cliff Lyons tries;
  Craig Field 1 from 6 goals) drew with
Gold Coast 26 (Graham Mackay, Jeremy Schloss, John McKelleher,
  Jason Nicol tries;
  Brendan Hurst 5 from 6, Chris Orr 0 from 1 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 10-14. Scrums: 7-6. Penalties: 11-11.
Crowd: 2506. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Note: A 2UE count gave the actual crowd as about 1500.

Newcastle versus South Sydney postponed
at Marathon Stadium.
# Postponed to round 16 due to rain.

Premiership Round 12, Friday 23rd May 1997.

South Queensland 28 (Clinton Schifcofske 2, Aaron Moule,
  Mark Protheroe, Matt Bickerstaff tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 4 from 5 goals) beat
Sydney City 14 (Ivan Cleary, Scott Logan tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 3 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 12-6. Scrums: 5-7. Penalties: 5-4.
Crowd: 5518. Referee: Sean Hampstead. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Nathan Antonik (South Queensland).
Cited: Danny Nutley (South Queensland), kicking, 4 weeks.


Premiership Round 12, Saturday 24th May 1997.

Western Suburbs 26 (John Skandalis, Adam Doyle, Shane Millard,
  Des Hasler tries; Andrew Leeds 5 from 5 goals) beat
Gold Coast 10 (Tom O'Reilly, Scott Sattler tries;
  Graham Mackay 1 from 2 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 14-6. Scrums: 6-8. Penalties: 10-6.
Crowd: 5978. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.
Man of the match: Harvey Howard (NINE).


Premiership Round 12, Sunday 25th May 1997.

South Sydney 28 (Darrell Trindall, Paul Sutton, Craig Simon,
  Phil Howlett, Marty Moore tries;
  Julian O'Neill 4 from 7 goals) drew with
Illawarra 28 (Darren Bradstreet, Brendon Reeves, David Cox,
  Will Robinson, Wayne Clifford tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 2 from 2, Brendon Reeves 2 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 12-18. Scrums: 4-6. Penalties: 4-5.
Crowd: 4721. Referee: Moghseen Jadwat.


Premiership Round 12, Friday 30th May 1997.

Parramatta 25 (Shane Whereat 2, Stuart Kelly, John Simon,
  Nathan Barnes tries; John Simon 2 from 5 goals;
  John Simon field goal) beat
North Sydney 14 (Brett Dallas, Chris Caruana, Michael Buettner tries;
  Jason Taylor 1 from 4 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 13-6. Scrums: 9-7. Penalties: 3-5.
Crowd: 13,281. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 12, Saturday 31st May 1997.

Balmain 14 (William Kennedy, James Langaloa tries;
  Michael Withers 3 from 6 goals) beat
Manly Warringah 10 (Jim Serdaris, Geoff Toovey tries;
  Craig Field 1 from 2, Shannon Nevin 0 from 1 goals) 
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 12-0. Scrums: 6-6. Penaltied: 13-10.
Crowd: 6068. Referee: Paul Simpkins. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Ellery Hanley (Balmain), 50.
Sinbin: John Hopoate (Manly Warringah), 51.
Sinbin: Tim Brasher (Balmain), 71.
Sinbin: Cliff Lyons (Manly Warringah), 71.
Cited: James Langaloa (Balmain), lifting, 2 weeks.
Cited: William Kennedy (Balmain), lifting, exonerated.


Premiership Round 12, Sunday 1st June 1997.

St George 20 (Wayne Bartrim, Mark Coyne, Adrian Brunker,
  Colin Ward tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 2 from 3, Gavin Clinch 0 from 1 goals) beat
Newcastle 18 (Darren Albert 2, Owen Craigie tries;
  Leo Dynevor 3 from 4 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 6-10. Scrums: 10-5. Penalties: 9-5.
Crowd: 6125. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

Premiership Round 13, Friday 6th June 1997.

Balmain 18 (William Kennedy, Laloa Milford, Adam Starr tries;
  Michael Withers 3 from 3 goals) beat
Illawarra 6 (Trent Barrett try; Darren Bradstreet 1 from 1 goal)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 12-0. Scrums: 7-5. Penalties: 7-7.
Crowd: 8184. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 13, Saturday 7th June 1997.

Gold Coast 28 (Graham Mackay 2, Marcus Bai, Wes Patten,
  Shane Russell tries;
  Brendan Hurst 4 from 5, Graham Mackay 0 from 1 goals) beat
South Sydney 4 (Jeff Orford try; Darrell Trindall 0 from 1 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 12-0. Scrums: 7-7. Penalties: 6-3.
Crowd: 5316. Referee: Paul Simpkins. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 13, Sunday 8th June 1997.

Parramatta 52 (Jarrod McCracken 2, Nathan Barnes 2, Andrew Frew,
  Brett Horsnell, Paul Carige, Jason Bell, Justin Morgan,
  Karl Lovell tries; Chris Lawler 6 goals) beat
South Queensland 10 (Steele Retchless, Jason Hudson tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske goal)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 32-6. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 7-6.
Crowd: 10,009. Referee: Sean Hampstead.


Premiership Round 13, Friday 13th June 1997.

Manly Warringah 28 (John Hopoate 3, Craig Field, Craig Innes,
  Cliff Lyons tries; Craig Innes 2 from 3, Craig Field 0 from 3,
  Cliff Lyons 0 from 1 goals) beat
St George 4 (Adrian Brunker try; Wayne Bartrim 0 from 1 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 10-4. Scrums: 7-6. Penalties: 6-5.
Crowd: 10,063. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 13, Saturday 14th June 1997.

Western Suburbs 24 (Des Hasler 2, Brett Hodgson 2,
  Kevin McGuinness tries; Andrew Leeds 2 from 5 goals) beat
Sydney City 18 (Andrew Walker 2, Ben Duckworth tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 3 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 10-12. Scrums: 7-8. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 6832. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 13, Sunday 15th June 1997.

North Sydney 26 (Chris Caruana 2, Billy Moore, Nigel Roy tries;
  Jason Taylor 5 from 5 goals) beat
Newcastle 6 (Tony Butterfield try; Leo Dynevor 1 from 1 goal)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 18-6. Scrums: 7-8. Penalties: 5-8.
Crowd: 6281. Referee: Eddie Ward.
Note: Darren Albert and Mark Soden came off with hypothermia,
  the first time such a thing has happened in a Sydney First Grade
  game.
Note: the icy conditions saw people queuing to get out of the
  ground; less than half the crowd were left at the end of the
  match.

Premiership Round 14, Friday 20th June 1997.

South Sydney 20 (Jeff Orford 2, David Penna, Matthew Parsons tries;
  Darrell Trindall 2 from 5 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 16 (John Skandalis, Kevin McGuinness tries;
  Andrew Leeds 4 from 5 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 10-8. Scrums: 4-4. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 7937. Referee: Sean Hampstead. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Craig Simon (South Sydney).


Premiership Round 14, Saturday 21st June 1997.

Gold Coast 22 (Tom O'Reilly 2, Dave Clark, Wes Patten tries;
  Brendan Hurst 3 from 4 goals) beat
Balmain 20 (Michael Gillett 2, William Kennedy tries;
  Michael Withers 4 from 5 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 12-12. Scrums: 4-5. Penalties: 7-14.
Crowd: 5752. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.
Cited: Chris Nahi (Gold Coast), biting, exonerated.


Premiership Round 14, Sunday 22nd June 1997.

Illawarra 12 (Brett Rodwell 2, Glen Air tries;
  Brendon Reeves 0 from 2, Darren Bradstreet 0 from 2 goals) beat
St George 10 (Mark Bell, Colin Ward tries;
  Steven Price 1 from 2, Gavin Clinch 0 from 2 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 8-4. Scrums: 7-6. Penalties: 9-7.
Crowd: 7257. Referee: Paul Simpkins.
Cited: Aaron Raper (St George), abusing the referee, ?.


Premiership Round 14, Friday 27th June 1997.

Parramatta 18 (Jarrod McCracken, Stuart Kelly tries;
  Ian Herron 5 from 5 goals) beat
Sydney City 6 (Peter Clarke try; Ivan Cleary 1 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 4-6. Scrums: 3-5. Penalties: 4-6. 
Crowd: 8197. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes. TV: NINE.
Cited: Scott Gourley (Sydney City), ?, 2 weeks.
Cited: Dean Pay (Parramatta), ?, exonnerated.


Premiership Round 14, Saturday 28th June 1997.

Newcastle 24 (Robbie O'Davis, Troy Fletcher, Matthew Johns,
  Owen Craigie tries; Leo Dynevor 4 from 5 goals) beat 
South Queensland 6 (Mark Protheroe try;
  Clinton Schifcofske 1 from 2 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 20-2. Scrums: 9-10. Penalties: 7-10.
Crowd: 4769. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.
Cited: Dave Watson (Dave Watson), ?, 2 weeks.


Premiership Round 14, Sunday 29th June 1997.

North Sydney 41 (Greg Florimo 2, Brett Dallas 2, Danny Williams,
  David Fairleigh, Billy Moore tries;
  Jason Taylor 6 from 9 goals; Jason Taylor field goal) beat
Manly Warringah 8 (John Hopoate, Steven Menzies tries;
  Craig Field 0 from 2 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 14-4. Scrums: 2-5. Penalties: 4-3.
Crowd: 14,615. Referee: David Manson.

Premiership Round 15, Friday 11th July 1997.

Newcastle 14 (Robbie O'Davis, Leo Dynevor tries;
  Leo Dynevor 3 from 4 goals) drew with
Sydney City 14 (Jack Elsegood, Luke Ricketson tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 4 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 0-8. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 6562. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Paul Harragon (Newcastle), 31.
Man of the match: Owen Craigie (Newcastle, NINE).


Premiership Round 15, Saturday 12th July 1997.

Parramatta 20 (Eparama Navale 3, Karl Lovell,
  Steve Collins tries) beat
Western Suburbs 18 (Adam Doyle, Paul Langmack, Damian Kennedy tries;
  Andrew Leeds 3 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 8-12. Scrums: 6-8. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 15,372. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.

Gold Coast 22 (Marcus Bai, Shane Russell, Martin Bella,
  John McKelleher tries; Brendan Hurst 3 from 6 goals) beat
St George 14 (Daniel Wagon, Adrian Brunker, Darren Rameka tries;
  Steven Price  1 from 3, Lance Thompson 0 from 1 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 14-4. Scrums: 5-6. Penalties: 9-5.
Crowd: 10,738. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Sent off: Graham Mackay (Gold Coast), 29, ?, 2 matches.

Premiership Round 15, Sunday 13th July 1997.

Illawarra 15 (Trent Barrett, Paul McGregor tries;
  Glen Air 2 from 3, Dean Moon 1 from 1 goals;
  Trent Barrett field goal) beat
North Sydney 8 (Brett Dallas try; Jason Taylor 2 from 3 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 9-8. Scrums: 8-8. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 7219. Referee: Eddie Ward.

Manly Warringah 46 (Terry Hill 4, Craig Hancock 2, John Hopoate 2,
  Danny Moore, Steven Menzies tries;
  Andrew Hunter 3 from 6, Craig Innes 0 from 2 goals) beat
South Queensland 12 (Aaron Moule, Nathan Sologinkin tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 2 from 2 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 16-6. Scrums: 7-8. Penalties: 2-4.
Crowd: 5055. Referee: Sean Hampstead.

Balmain 16 (Michael Withers, Glenn Morrison tries;
  Michael Withers 4 from 6 goals) beat
South Sydney 2 (Darrell Trindall 1 from 1 goal)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 2-2. Scrums: 12-6. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 6528. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Premiership Round 16, Friday 18th July 1997.

Manly Warringah 21 (John Hopoate, Steven Menzies, Cliff Lyons,
  Terry Hill tries; Craig Field 1 from 3,
  Andrew Hunter 1 from 2 goals; Craig Field 1 field goal) beat
Sydney City 12 (Adrian Lam, Brandon Pearson tries;
  Ivan Cleary 2 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 3-6. Penalties: 10-4.
Crowd: 12,385. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.
Sent off: Mark Carroll (Manly Warringah), 24, headbutting, ?.
Sent off: Terry Hermansson (Sydney City), 24, striking, ?.


Premiership Round 16, Saturday 19th July 1997.

Illawarra 34 (Paul McGregor 2, Andrew Hart, Shaun Timmins, Glen Air,
  Brad Mackay tries; Dean Moon 5 from 6 goals) beat
South Queensland 8 (Craig Wilson, Aaron Moule tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 0 from 2 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 6-4. Scrums: 7-3. Penalties: 4-9.
Crowd: 2364. Referee: Paul Simpkins. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 16, Sunday 20th July 1997.

North Sydney 34 (Ben Ikin 3, David Fairleigh, Brett Dallas,
  David Hall tries; Jason Taylor 5 from 7 goals) beat
Gold Coast 28 (Marcus Bai, Jason Nicol, Brendan Hurst, Steve Parsons,
  Andrew King, Keith Blackett tries; Brendan Hurst 2 from 6 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 26-4. Scrums: 7-5. Penalties: 9-8.
Crowd: 8371. Referee: Matt Heritt.
Sinbin: Des Clark (Gold Coast), 30.

Parramatta 28 (Paul Carige 2, Shane Whereat, Jason Bell, John Simon,
  Jarrod McCracken tries; John Simon 2 from 6 goals) beat
Newcastle 22 (Owen Craigie, Mark Hughes, Daniel Smailes,
  Paul Harragon tries; Andrew Johns 3 from 5 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 10-16. Scrums: 10-6. Penalties: 3-3.
Crowd: 20,148. Referee: David Manson.

St George 29 (Adrian Brunker 3, Daniel Wagon 2, Lee Murphy tries;
  Steven Price 2 from 6 goals; Jamie Ainscough field goal) beat
South Sydney 28 (Phil Howlett 2, David Penna, Danny O'Keefe,
  Peter Stimson tries; Julian O'Neill 4 from 6 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 24-6. Scrums: 2-6. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 6883. Referee: Paul McBlane.

Premiership Round 17, Friday 25th July 1997.

Parramatta 17 (Jarrod McCracken, John Simon, Nathan Barnes tries;
  John Simon 1 from 3 goals; John Simon 3 field goals) beat
Manly Warringah 10 (Terry Hill, Geoff Toovey tries;
  Craig Field 1 from 1, Andrew Hunter 0 from 2 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 4-4. Scrums: 1-7. Penalties: 6-10.
Crowd: 22,746 (capacity). Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.

Newcastle 42 (Owen Craigie 3, Darren Albert 3, Marc Glanville,
  Adam Muir tries; Andrew Johns 5 from 8 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 18 (Darren Willis, Damian Kennedy,
  Ken McGuinness tries; Andrew Leeds 3 from 3 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 20-6. Scrums: 9-5. Penalties: 5-4.
Crowd: 17,197. Referee: Matt Hewitt.
Sinbin: Shayne McMenemy (Western Suburbs), 63.


Premiership Round 17, Saturday 26th July 1997.

Sydney City 34 (Matt Sing 2, Brandon Pearson 2, Jack Elsegood,
  Adam Hayden tries; Ivan Cleary 5 from 7 goals) beat
Illawarra 12 (Wayne Clifford, Paul McGregor tries;
  Dean Moon 2 from 6 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 12-2. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 5-9.
Crowd: 8241. Referee: Paul McBlane. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Shane Rigon (Sydney City), 39.

Balmain 10 (Michael Gillett, William Kennedy tries;
  Tim Brasher 1 from 2, Michael Withers 0 from 1 goals) beat
St George 4 (Lee Murphy try; Wayne Bartrim 0 from 1 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 0-0. Scrums: 6-4. Penalties: 11-9.
Crowd: 8099. Referee: Eddie Ward.


Premiership Round 17, Sunday 27th July 1997.

Gold Coast 40 (Wes Patten 3, Andrew King, Marcus Bai, Jason Nicol,
  Brendan Hurst tries;
  Graham Mackay 3 from 4, Brendan Hurst 3 from 3 goals) beat
South Queensland 18 (Craig Wilson, Craig Teevan, Troy Pezet tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 3 from 4 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 10-2. Scrums: 6-8. Penalties: 5-6.
Crowd: 8392. Referee: Tony Maksoud.
Sinbin: Jamie Goddard (Gold Coast).

North Sydney 40 (Brett Dallas 2, Paul Stringer 2, Matt Seers,
  Jason Taylor tries; Jason Taylor 8 from 8 goals) beat
South Sydney 8 (Jeff Orford, Danny O'Keefe tries;
  Troy Barnes 0 from 2, Julian O'Neill 0 from 1 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 20-8. Scrums: 7-7. Penalties: 8-5.
Crowd: 5074. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Julian O'Neill (South Sydney), 72.
Sinbin: Darrell Trindall (South Sydney), 76.

Premiership Round 18, Friday 1st August 1997.

Manly Warringah 14 (Shannon Nevin, John Hopoate tries;
  Shannon Nevin 3 from 3 goals) beat
Newcastle 12 (Evan Cochrane, Brett Grogan tries;
  Andrew Johns 2 from 2 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 3-6. Penalties: 7-4.
Crowd: 25,077. Referee: Eddie Ward. TV: NINE.


Premiership Round 18, Saturday 2nd August 1997.

Sydney City 28 (Brandon Pearson 2, Matt Sing 2, Brad Fittler tries;
  Ivan Cleary 4 from 5 goals) beat
Gold Coast 12 (Jason Nicol, Chris Nahi tries;
  Brendan Hurst 2 from 2, Graham Mackay 0 from 1 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 10-8. Scrums: 5-6. Penalties: 8-5.
Crowd: 4780. Referee: David Manson. TV: NINE.

Western Suburbs 26 (Ken McGuinness, Kevin McGuinness, Adam Doyle,
  Bill Dunn tries; Brett Hodgson 5 from 6,
  Andrew Leeds 0 from 2 goals) beat
St George 6 (Jamie Ainscough try; Wayne Bartrim 1 from 2 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 6-6. Scrums: 8-5. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 9152. Referee: Paul McBlane.


Premiership Round 18, Sunday 3rd August 1997.

Illawarra 28 (Wayne Clifford 2, Brett Rodwell, Paul McGregor,
  Adam Bristow, Trent Barrett tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 2 from 3, Brendon Reeves 0 from 2,
  Shaun Timmins 0 from 1 goals) beat
Parramatta 24 (Shane Whereat, Steve Collins, Aaron Raper, Jason Bell,
  Eparama Navale tries; John Simon 2 from 5 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 10-14. Scrums: 2-3. Penalties: 6-8.
Crowd: 15,419. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

South Queensland 17 (Clinton Schifcofske, Matt Toshack,
  Steele Retchless tries; Clinton Schifcofske 2 from 3 goals;
  Craig Wilson field goal) beat
South Sydney 16 (Jeff Orford, David Penna, Danny O'Keefe tries;
  Julian O'Neill 2 from 3 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 10-6. Scrums: 10-11. Penalties: 8-4.
Crowd: 3545. Referee: Tony Maksoud.
Sent off: Darrell Trindall (South Sydney), 72, ?, ?.

North Sydney 22 (Jason Taylor, Brett Dallas, Matt Seers tries;
  Jason Taylor 5 from 6 goals) beat
Balmain 14 (Tim Brasher, Laloa Milford, Paul Sironen tries;
  Michael Withers 1 from 3 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 16-10. Scrums: 8-13. Penalties: 5-4.
Crowd: 18,854. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Tim Brasher (Balmain), 57.

Premiership Round 19, Friday 8th August 1997.

St George 22 (Lee Murphy 3, Luke Felsch tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 3 from 4 goals) beat
North Sydney 14 (Michael Buettner, Chris Caruana,
  Greg Florimo tries; Jason Taylor from 4 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 10-4. Scrums: 5-5. Penalties: 6-8.
Crowd: 5007. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Lee Murphy (St George), 78.


Premiership Round 19, Saturday 9th August 1997.

Sydney City 40 (Adrian Lam 2, Richard Allan, Jack Elsegood,
  Andrew Walker, Brandon Pearson, Matt Sing tries;
  Ivan Cleary 6 from 7 goals) beat
South Sydney 20 (David Penna 2, Darren Burns tries;
  Julian O'Neill 4 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 22-14. Scrums: 8-7. Penalties: 6-7.
Crowd: 4720. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes. TV: NINE.

Parramatta 18 (Eparama Navale, Nathan Barnes, Justin Morgan tries;
  John Simon 3 from 6 goals) beat
Gold Coast 8 (Jamie Goddard, Marcus Bai tries;
  Brendan Hurst 0 from 2 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 14-0. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 9-12.
Crowd: 13,182. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Chris Orr (Gold Coast).
Sinbin: Brett Horsnell (Parramatta).


Premiership Round 19, Sunday 10th August 1997.

Newcastle 22 (Robbie O'Davis, Darren Albert, Brett Clements tries;
  Andrew Johns 5 from 6 goals) beat
Illawarra 12 (Darren Bradstreet, Wayne Clifford tries;
  Brendon Reeves 2 from 2, Darren Bradstreet 0 from 1 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 14-6. Scrums: 5-2. Penalties: 6-15.
Crowd: 10,038. Referee: Paul McBlane.

Manly Warringah 48 (Terry Hill 3, Steven Menzies 2, Craig Innes,
  Jim Serdaris, Shannon Nevin, Anthony Collella tries;
  Shannon Nevin 6 from 9 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 14 (Kevin McGuinness 2, Ken McGuinness tries;
  Brett Hodgson 1 from 3 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 34-0. Scrums: 6-3. Penalties: 6-4.
Crowd: 12,631. Referee: David Manson.

Balmain 32 (William Kennedy, Adam Nable, Darren Senter,
  James Langaloa, Laloa Milford, Tim Brasher tries;
  Michael Withers 4 from 6 goals) beat
South Queensland 14 (Jason Hudson, Troy Pezet, Brian Doyle tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 1 from 3 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 20-0. Scrums: 4-6. Penalties: 4-9.
Crowd: 5101. Referee: Eddie Ward.

Premiership Round 20, Friday 15th August 1997.

Western Suburbs 19 (Brett Hodgson, Kevin McGuinness,
  Ciriaco Mescia tries; Andrew Leeds 3 from 4 goals;
  Andrew Leeds field goal) beat
North Sydney 10 (Michael Buettner, Ben Ikin tries;
  Jason Taylor 1 from 2 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 0-6. Scrums: 7-5. Penalties: 10-5.
Crowd: 10,219. Referee: Paul McBlane. TV: NINE.
Sinbin: Jason Taylor (North Sydney), 76.
Sent off: Josh Stuart (North Sydney), 15, high tackle, 3 weeks.


Premiership Round 20, Saturday 16th August 1997.

Sydney City 18 (Adam Hayden, Andrew Walker, Nigel Gaffey tries;
  Ivan Cleary 3 from 3 goals) beat
Balmain 10 (William Kennedy 2 tries; Michael Withers 1 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 12-4. Scrums: 5-3. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 7183. Referee: Matt Hewitt. TV: NINE.

Parramatta 36 (Nathan Barnes, John Simon, Justin Morgan,
  Troy Campbell, Eparama Navale, Steven Collins tries;
  John Simon 5 from 7, Russel Wyer 1 from 1 goals) beat
South Sydney 18 (Brendan O'Meara, Willie Peters tries;
  Julian O'Neill 5 from 5 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 8-12. Scrums: 6-6. Penalties: 13-10.
Crowd: 11,301. Referee: Eddie Ward.
Sinbin: Matt Parsons (South Sydney).


Premiership Round 20, Sunday 17th August 1997.

Newcastle 44 (Adam Muir 2, Wayne Richards, Mark Hughes, Brett Grogan,
  Robbie O'Davis, Darren Albert, Tony Butterfield tries;
  Andrew Johns 6 from 9 goals) beat
Gold Coast 18 (Graham Mackay, Wes Patten, Tom O'Reilly,
  Jamie Goddard tries;
  Brendan Hurst 1 from 2, Graham Mackay 0 from 2 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 22-10. Scrums: 5-2. Penalties: 5-2.
Note: penalties were 1-0 at half time.
Crowd: 15,063. Referee: David Manson.

Manly Warringah 30 (Danny Moore 3, Anthony Colella, Cliff Lyons,
  Terry Hill tries; Shannon Nevin 3 from 7 goals) beat
Illawarra 14 (Trent Barrett, Fili Seru, Wayne Clifford tries;
  Dean Moon 1 from 3 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 10-6. Scrums: 8-11. Penalties: 10-5.
Crowd: 11,167. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.

Premiership Round 21, Friday 22nd August 1997.

Balmain 26 (Michael Withers 2, Laloa Milford, Mark Stimson,
  Greg Donaghey, Ellery Hanley tries;
  Michael Withers 1 from 4, Tim Brasher 0 from 3 goals) beat
Parramatta 6 (Peter Johnston try;
  Ian Herron 1 from 1, John Simon 0 from 1 goals)
at Leichhardt Oval.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 6-4. Penalties: 8-7.
Crowd: 18,203. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Television: NINE.
Man of the match: Mark Stimson (NINE).


Premiership Round 21, Saturday 23rd August 1997.

Sydney City 20 (Andrew Walker 2, Jack Elsegood, Robert Miles tries;
  Andrew Walker 2 from 5 goals) beat
St George 16 (Damien Smith, Adrian Brunker, Steven Price tries;
  Wayne Bartrim 2 from 4 goals)
at Kogarah Jubilee Oval.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 7-6. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 7178. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Television: NINE.
Man of the match: Andrew Walker (2UE).

Gold Coast 25 (Chris Nahi, Andrew King, Tom O'Reilly,
  Scott Sattler tries; Brendan Hurst 4 from 5 goals;
  Brendan Hurst field goal) beat
Manly Warringah 10 (Steven Menzies, John Hopoate tries;
  Shannon Nevin 1 from 2 goals)
at Carrara Stadium.
Half time: 14-6. Scrums: 5-9. Penalties: 5-9.
Crowd: 15,872. Referee: Matt Hewitt.


Premiership Round 21, Sunday 24th August 1997.

Illawarra 34 (Trent Barrett 3, Shaun Timmins 2, Chris Leikvoll,
  Wayne Clifford tries; Dean Moon 3 from 7 goals) beat
Western Suburbs 10 (Ken McGuinness, Steve Georgallis tries;
  Andrew Leeds 1 from 2 goals)
at Campbelltown Sports Ground.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 6-5. Penalties: 4-8.
Crowd: 8534. Referee: David Manson.

Newcastle 26 (Darren Albert 2, Owen Craigie, Bill Peden,
  Adam MacDougall tries; Leo Dynevor 3 from 5 goals) beat
South Sydney 8 (Bart Williams try; Julian O'Neill 2 from 2 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 0-2. Scrums: 3-4. Penalties: 6-9.
Crowd: 4260. Referee: Sean Hampstead.
Sinbin: Scott Murray (South Sydney), 49.
Sinbin: Daniel Smailes (Newcastle), 77.

North Sydney 42 (Billy Moore 2, Nigel Roy 2, Michael Buettner 2,
  Paul Stringer, Matt Seers tries; Jason Taylor 5 from 8 goals) beat
South Queensland 8 (Troy Pezet try;
  Clinton Schifcofske 2 from 2 goals)
at North Sydney Oval.
Half time: 16-8. Scrums: 3-7. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 7308. Referee: Eddie Ward.

Premiership Round 22, Friday 29th August 1997.

Parramatta 12 (Eparama Navale, Paul Carige, Steve Collins tries;
  John Simon 0 from 2, Russell Wyer 0 from 1 goals) drew with
St George 12 (Lee Murphy try; Wayne Bartrim 4 from 5 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 8-8. Scrums: 6-11. Penalties: 12-11.
Crowd: 16,055. Referee: Eddie Ward.
Television: NINE.
Sinbin: Lee Murphy (St George), 65.


Premiership Round 22, Saturday 30th August 1997.

Newcastle 34 (Darren Albert 2, Mark Hughes, Andrew Johns,
  Adam MacDougall, Wayne Richards tries;
  Andrew Johns 5 from 7 goals) beat
Balmain 10 (Adam Nable 2 tries; Michael Withers 1 from 2 goals)
at Marathon Stadium.
Half time: 14-4. Scrums: 5-9. Penalties: 4-2.
Crowd: 22,157. Referee: David Manson.
Television: NINE.

Illawarra 28 (John Cross, Paul McGregor, Dean Callaway,
  Wayne Clifford tries; Dean Moon 6 from 7 goals) beat
Gold Coast 6 (Brett Plowman try; Graham Mackay 1 from 1 goals)
at WIN Stadium.
Half time: 20-0. Scrums: 9-9. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 12,089. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Illawarra: Dean Moon; Fili Seru, Shaun Timmins, Brett Rodwell,


Premiership Round 22, Sunday 31st August 1997.

Manly Warringah 36 (Andrew Hunter 2, Daniel Gartner, Craig Innes,
  John Hopoate, Geoff Toovey, Danny Moore tries;
  Shannon Nevin 4 from 7 goals) beat
South Sydney 18 (David Penna, Troy Barnes, Troy Slattery,
  Danny O'Keefe tries; Troy Barnes 1 from 4 goals)
at Brookvale Oval.
Half time: 18-16. Scrums: 6-9. Penalties: 6-7.
Crowd: 7514. Referee: Paul Simpkins.

Sydney City 29 (Greg Bourke, Chad Halliday, Adrian Lam, Shane Rigon,
  Nathan Wood tries;
  Brandon Pearson 3 from 5, Richard Allen 1 from 1 goals) beat
North Sydney 20 (Michael Buettner, Mark Reber, David Hall tries;
  Jason Taylor 4 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 14-14. Scrums: 6-3. Penalties: 12-11.
Crowd: 8569. Referee: Matt Hewitt.

South Queensland 39 (Matt Toshack, John Jones, Jason Hudson,
  Mark Protheroe, Clinton Schifcofske, Michael Eagar tries;
  Clinton Schifcofske 7 from 8 goals; Craig Wilson field goal) beat
Western Suburbs 18 (Brett Hickman, Andrew Leeds, John Skandalis tries;
  Andrew Leeds 3 from 3 goals)
at Suncorp Stadium.
Half time: 19-6. Scrums: 7-9. Penalties: 8-8.
Crowd: 11,588. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Note: South Queensland did not charge an entry fee.
Sinbin: Shayne McMenemy (Western Suburbs).
Sinbin: Michael Eagar (South Queensland).

Premiership Minor Qualifying Final, Friday 5th September 1997.

Gold Coast 25 (Jason Nicol, Jeremy Schloss, Graham Mackay,
  Scott Sattler, John McKelleher tries;
  Graham Mackay 2 from 3, Darren Anderson 0 from 2 goals;
  Wes Patten field goal) beat
Illawarra 14 (Fili Seru, Trent Barrett, Scott Cram tries;
  Darren Bradstreet 1 from 1, Dean Moon 0 from 2 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Half time: 14-4. Scrums: 9-6. Penalties: 5-9.
Crowd: 8197. Referee: David Manson.
Television: NINE.
Gold Coast: Andrew King; Marcus Bai, Graham Mackay (c), Jason Nicol,
  Darren Anderson; Tom O'Reilly, Wes Patten; Martin Bella,
  Jamie Goddard, Steve Parsons, Scott Sattler, Des Clark,
  Jeremy Schloss; Chris Nahi, John McKelleher, Clayton Maher,
  Brett Plowman.
Illawarra: Dean Moon; Fili Seru, Shaun Timmins, Brett Rodwell,
  Wayne Clifford; Paul McGregor (c), Trent Barrett; Scott Cram,
  Dean Callaway, Craig Smith, John Cross, Terry Lamey, Brad Mackay;
  Andrew Hart, Chris Leikvoll, Darren Bradstreet, Brendan Reeves.


Premiership Minor Qualifying Final, Saturday 6th September 1997.

Sydney City 33 (Andrew Walker 2, Adrian Lam, Ivan Cleary,
  Sean Garlick tries; Ivan Cleary 6 from 7 goals;
  Adrian Lam field goal) beat
North Sydney 21 (Brett Dallas, Ben Ikin, Chris Caruana tries;
  Jason Taylor 3 from 4 goals; Jason Taylor 3 field goals)
after extra time
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 0-13. Full time: 15-15. Scrums: 5-5. Penalties: 9-6.
Crowd: 11,332. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Sydney City: Andrew Walker; Jack Elsegood, Ivan Cleary,
  Brandon Pearson, Matt Sing; Brad Fittler (c), Adrian Lam;
  David Barnhill, Simon Bonetti, Terry Hermansson, Scott Gourley,
  Luke Ricketson, Nigel Gaffey; Sean Garlick, Shane Rigon,
  Bryan Fletcher, Nathan Wood.
North Sydney: Matt Seers; Brett Dallas, David Hall,
  Michael Buettner, Nigel Roy; Ben Ikin, Jason Taylor (c);
  Brenton Pommery, Mark Soden, Steve Trindall, Gary Larson,
  Greg Florimo, Billy Moore; Chris Caruana, Danny Williams,
  Mark Reber, Paul Stringer.
Reported: Brenton Pommery (North Sydney), high tackle, dismissed.


Premiership Minor Qualifying Final, Sunday 7th September 1997.

Newcastle 28 (Adam McDougall 2, Adam Muir, Andrew Johns,
  Brett Grogan tries; Andrew Johns 3 from 4, Owen Craigie 1 from 1,
  Bill Peden 0 from 1 goals) beat
Parramatta 20 (Nathan Barnes, Jason Bell, Ian Herron tries;
  Ian Herron 4 from 5 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 16-18. Scrums: 9-7. Penalties: 4-5.
Crowd: 17,849. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Television: NINE.
Newcastle: Robbie O'Davis; Darren Albert, Matthew Gidley,
  Owen Craigie, Adam MacDougall; Matthew Johns, Andrew Johns;
  Tony Butterfield, Brian Clements, Paul Harragon (c), Bill Peden,
  Adam Muir, Marc Glanvlle; Wayne Richards, Troy Fletcher,
  Brett Grogan, Mark Hughes.
Parramatta: Paul Carige; Ian Herron, Karl Lovell, Nathan Barnes,
  Eparama Navale; Jason Bell, John Simon; Dean Pay (c), Aaron Raper,
  Justin Morgan, Jason Smith, Jarrod McCracken, Jim Dymock;
  Troy Campbell, Brett Horsnell, Russell Wyer, Darren Pettet.
Man of the match: Bill Peden (2UE).


Premiership Major Qualifying Final, Friday 12th September 1997.

Sydney City 32 (Ivan Cleary 2, Andrew Walker, Matt Sing,
  Brad Fittler, Nathan Wood tries; Ivan Cleary 4 from 8 goals) beat
Gold Coast 10 (Jason Nicol, Des Clark tries;
  Darren Anderson 1 from 2, Graham Mackay 0 from 1 goals)
at Parramatta Stadium.
Note: Originally scheduled for Suncorp Stadium,
  but moved due to poor crowds.
Half time: 16-4. Scrums: 7-4. Penalties: 8-6.
Crowd: 10,466. Referee: Paul McBlane.
Television: NINE.
Sydney City: Andrew Walker; Robert Miles, Ivan Cleary,
  Brandon Pearson, Matt Sing; Brad Fittler (c), Adrian Lam;
  David Barnhill, Simon Bonetti, Terry Hermansson, Scott Gourley,
  Luke Ricketson, Nigel Gaffey; Sean Garlick, Shane Rigon,
  Bryan Fletcher, Nathan Wood.
Gold Coast: Andrew King; Marcus Bai, Graham Mackay (c), Jason Nicol,
  Darren Anderson; Tom O'Reilly, Wes Patten; Martin Bella,
  Jamie Goddard, Steve Parsons, Scott Sattler, Des Clark,
  Jeremy Schloss; Chris Nahi, Clayton Maher, Brett Plowman,
  Damien Driscoll.
Sinbin: Graham Mackay (Gold Coast).


Premiership Major Qualifying Final, Saturday 13th September 1997.

North Sydney 24 (Brett Dallas, David Hall, Chris Caruana,
  Jason Taylor tries; Jason Taylor 4 from 4 goals) beat
Parramatta 14 (Ian Herron, Shane Whereat, Jim Dymock tries;
  Ian Herron 1 from 3 goal)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 6-14. Scrums: 12-6. Penalties: 0-3.
Crowd: 17,025. Referee: David Manson.
Television: NINE.
North Sydney: Matt Seers; Brett Dallas, Ben Ikin,
  Michael Buettner, Nigel Roy; Greg Florimo, Jason Taylor (c);
  Brenton Pommery, Mark Reber, Steve Trindall, Gary Larson,
  David Fairleigh, Billy Moore; David Hall, Chris Caruana,
  Danny Williams, Josh Stuart.
Parramatta: David Riolo; Ian Herron, Karl Lovell, Nathan Barnes,
  Shane Whereat; Jason Smith, John Simon; Dean Pay (c), Dennis Moran,
  Peter Johnston, Justin Morgan, Jarrod McCracken, Jim Dymock;
  Russell Wyer, Brett Horsnell, Darren Pettet, Aaron Raper.


Premiership Major Qualifying Final, Sunday 14th September 1997.

Manly Warringah 27 (Terry Hill 2, John Hopoate 2,
  Anthony Colella tries; Shannon Nevin 3 from 5 goals;
  Craig Field 1 field goal) beat
Newcastle 12 (Owen Craigie, Matthew Johns tries;
  Leo Dynevor 2 from 3 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 16-8. Scrums: 5-3. Penalties: 6-6.
Crowd: 26,531. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Television: NINE.
Manly Warringah: Shannon Nevin; Danny Moore, Craig Innes, Terry Hill,
  John Hopoate; Nik Kosef, Geoff Toovey (c); David Gillespie,
  Jim Serdaris, Mark Carroll, Steven Menzies, Daniel Gartner,
  Anthony Colella; Scott Fulton, Cliff Lyons, Neil Tierney,
  Craig Field.
Newcastle: Mark Hughes; Darren Albert, Brett Grogan,
  Owen Craigie, Adam MacDougall; Matthew Johns, Leo Dynevor;
  Tony Butterfield, Brian Clements, Paul Harragon (c), Bill Peden,
  Adam Muir, Marc Glanvlle; Wayne Richards, Troy Fletcher,
  Lee Jackson, Evan Cochrane.
Cited (Report): Adam Muir, high tackle, exonnerated.
Cited (Newcastle): Nik Kosef, torpedo tackle, 1 week.
Note: incensed at the clearing on Adam Muir, Manly cited
  6 Newcastle players in retaliation, but all were dismissed.


Premiership Semifinal, Saturday 20th September 1997.

Newcastle 17 (Robbie O'Davis, Bill Peden, Owen Craigie tries;
  Andrew Johns 2 from 2, Leo Dynevor 0 from 1 goals;
  Matthew Johns field goal) beat
North Sydney 12 (Nigel Roy, Michael Buettner tries;
  Jason Taylor 2 from 5 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 12-4. Scrums: 4-8. Penalties: 5-10.
Crowd: 22,540. Referee: Kelvin Jeffes.
Television: NINE.
Newcastle: Robbie O'Davis; Darren Albert, Adam MacDougall,
  Owen Craigie, Mark Hughes; Matthew Johns, Andrew Johns;
  Tony Butterfield, Bill Peden, Paul Harragon (c), Wayne Richards,
  Adam Muir, Marc Glanville; Troy Fletcher, Steve Crowe,
  Leo Dynevor, Lee Jackson.
North Sydney: Matt Seers; Brett Dallas, Ben Ikin, Michael Buettner,
  Nigel Roy; Greg Florimo, Jason Taylor (c); Josh Stuart, Mark Reber,
  Steve Trindall, Gary Larson, Danny Williams, Billy Moore;
  David Fairleigh, David Hall, Chris Caruana, Brenton Pommery.


Premiership Semifinal, Sunday 21st September 1997.

Manly Warringah 17 (Craig Innes, Steven Menzies tries;
  Shannon Nevin 4 from 5 goals; Craig Field 1 field goal) beat
Sydney City 16 (Jack Elsegood 2, Scott Gourley tries;
  Ivan Cleary 2 from 3 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 8-6. Scrums: 3-7. Penalties: 5-5.
Crowd: 30,794. Referee: David Manson.
Television: NINE.
Manly Warringah: Shannon Nevin; Danny Moore, Craig Innes, Terry Hill,
  John Hopoate; Geoff Toovey (c), Craig Field; David Gillespie,
  Jim Serdaris, Mark Carroll, Steven Menzies, Daniel Gartner,
  Anthony Colella; Cliff Lyons, Neil Tierney, --, --.
Sydney City: Andrew Walker; Jack Elsegood, Ivan Cleary,
  Shane Rigon, Matt Sing; Brad Fittler (c), Adrian Lam;
  David Barnhill, Sean Garlick, Terry Hermansson, Scott Gourley,
  Luke Ricketson, Nigel Gaffey; Simon Bonetti, Bryan Fletcher,
  Nathan Wood, Dale Shearer.
Cited: Jim Serdaris (Manly Warringah), ?, 1 week.


Premiership Grand Final, Friday 28th September 1997.

Newcastle 22 (Robbie O'Davis 2, Darren Albert tries;
  Andrew Johns 5 from 6 goals) beat
Manly Warringah 16 (John Hopoate, Craig Innes, Shannon Nevin tries;
  Shannon Nevin 2 from 4 goals)
at Sydney Football Stadium.
Half time: 8-16. Scrums:7-3. Penalties: 4-7.
Crowd 42,482 (ground record). Referee: David Manson.
Television: NINE.
Newcastle: Robbie O'Davis; Darren Albert, Adam MacDougall,
  Owen Craigie, Mark Hughes; Matthew Johns, Andrew Johns;
  Tony Butterfield, Bill Peden, Paul Harragon (c), Wayne Richards,
  Adam Muir, Marc Glanvlle; Troy Fletcher, Scott Conley,
  Steve Crowe, Lee Jackson.
Manly Warringah: Shannon Nevin; Danny Moore, Craig Innes, Terry Hill,
  John Hopoate; Geoff Toovey (c), Craig Field; David Gillespie,
  Anthony Colella, Mark Carroll, Steven Menzies, Daniel Gartner,
  Nik Kosef; Scott Fulton, Neil Tierney, Andrew Hunter,
  Cliff Lyons.
Clive Churchill medal: Robbie O'Davis.