Round 1, 1982: Canterbury 16 Parramatta 15

While Craig Madsen might not go down in the history books as one of rugby league’s most recognisable names, there is no doubt that this unheralded backrower was the man of the moment when Canterbury beat defending premiers Parramatta 16-15 in the opening round of the 1982 season.

With the Bulldogs trailing their local rivals 10-5 at the break, Ted Glossop sent Madsen into the fray, and the young man’s impact was almost immediate. His ferocious charges reinvigorated Canterbury’s ailing attack and within 10 minutes of coming on he had helped level the scores after throwing the final pass for a Steve Mortimer try.

The Eels were quick to strike back with Mick Cronin’s one-handed offload putting Steve Edge away for a 15-10 lead in the 57th minute, but Canterbury was able to draw level once again when halves Mortimer and Garry Hughes changed the direction of the play to serve up a try to Greg Brentall with 12 minutes remaining.

Riding a wave of late game momentum, Canterbury worked their way down the field in the dying stages before spinning the ball back to Mortimer, who calmly slotted the match-winning field goal.

The victory would have been of great satisfaction to Bulldogs skipper George Peponis who was playing his first game of rugby league since sustaining an injury in April 1981.