Round 1, 1983: Parramatta 54 Newtown 14

Sunday saw the league break new ground by hosting the first premiership match at Orana Park, Campbelltown.

In front of a crowd of 10,686, the defending premiers Parramatta battered Newtown 54-14. Newtown had been dramatically weakened in the off-season with financial problems leading to the departure of Australian rep Phil Sigsworth and 1981 grand final coach Warren Ryan.

Parramatta, on the other hand, was flying high after winning the previous two premierships. Newtown scored first through a penalty goal to skipper Ken Wilson, but two rapid-fire tries, including an 80-metre effort from Brett Kenny, gave the Eels a 14-2 lead at the break.

Despite battling sweltering conditions, Jack Gibson’s charges found another gear in the second half, scoring seven more tries, with Test centre Steve Ella grabbing a hattrick.

It was an unhappy afternoon for the Jets, who were planning to move out to Campbelltown as part of their battle to retain their place in the big league, and would not have impressed many prospective fans with their meek performance.