2002 Super League Grand Final

The 2002 Super League Grand Final was the Fifth official Grand Final and conclusive and championship-deciding game of Super League VII. Held on Saturday 19 October 2002 at Old Trafford, Manchester, the game was played between St. Helens and Bradford Bulls. Refereed by Russell Smith, the match was seen by a crowd of 61,138 and was won by St Helens 19 - 18.

2002 (2002) Super League Grand Final  ()
12 Total
ST H 127 19
BRA 810 18
Date19 October 2002
StadiumOld Trafford
LocationEngland Manchester
Harry Sunderland TrophyEngland Paul Deacon, ( Bradford Bulls)
RefereeRussell Smith
Attendance61,138
Broadcast partners
Broadcasters
Commentators
← 2001
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Background

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Team Pld W D L PF PA PD Pts
1   St Helens 28 23 0 5 927 522 +405 46
2   Bradford Bulls 28 23 0 5 910 519 +391 46

Route to the Final

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St Helens

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St Helens, by finishing top of the table automatically qualified for the play-off semi-final where they were drawn at home to Bradford. A surprising loss saw Saints have to go the long route to the grand final by playing bitter rivals Wigan Warriors in the elimination semi-final; a match they won 24–8 to set up another game against Bradford.

St Helens
Round Opposition Score
Semi Final   Bradford Bulls (H) 26–28
Elimination Semi-Final   Wigan Warriors (H) 24–8
Key: (H) = Home venue; (A) = Away venue.

Bradford Bulls

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Bradford as the team finishing second in the season also qualified for the play-off semi-final where they had to travel to St Helens. A close fought game saw Bradford win 28–26 to go straight through to the grand final.

Match Details

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19 October 2002
Bradford Bulls   18 - 19   St Helens
Tries: Scott Naylor
Robbie Paul
Michael Withers
Goals: Paul Deacon (3)
Report
Tries: Mike Bennett
Sean Long
Martin Gleeson
Goals: Sean Long (3)
Drop Goals: Sean Long
Old Trafford, Manchester
Attendance: 61,138
Referee: Russell Smith
Bradford Bulls Position St Helens
1   Michael Withers Fullback 1   Paul Wellens
2   Tevita Vaikona Wing 2   Darren Albert
3   Scott Naylor Centre 3   Martin Gleeson
4   Brandon Costin Centre 4   Paul Newlove
5   Lesley Vainikolo Wing 5   Anthony Stewart
6   Robbie Paul Stad Off 6   Paul Sculthorpe
7   Paul Deacon Scrum half 7   Sean Long
  Joe Vagana Prop   Darren Britt
9   James Lowes Fullback 9   Keiron Cunningham
10   Stuart Fielden Prop   Barry Ward
  Daniel Gartner Second Row   Mike Bennett
11   Jamie Peacock Second Row   Tim Jonkers
  Mike Forshaw Loose forward 13   Chris Joynt
  Leon Pryce Interchange   Sean Hoppe
  Lee Gilmour   Mickey Higham
  Paul Anderson   John Stankevitch
  Brian McDermott   Peter Shiels
  Brian Noble Coaches   Ian Millward

References

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