Auckland, New Zealand, April 19, 2009 - The Vodafone Warriors’ extra-time win over the Roosters today was only their second since the NRL introduced the golden point concept in 2003.
Just weeks after Manly beat Parramatta in the historic first golden point decider, the Vodafone Warriors featured in the third extra-time contest with Stacey Jones kicking a field goal for a 31-30 win against South Sydney at Aussie Stadium.
Until today’s match – only the second golden point encounter at Mount Smart Stadium – the Vodafone Warriors hadn’t won in their last four attempts in extra-time encounters.
A Josh Hannay penalty gave North Queensland a 28-26 win at Mount Smart Stadium in 2004 and Clinton Schifcofske provided the difference with a field goal in the Raiders’ 30-29 win against the Vodafone Warriors in Canberra a few weeks later that same season.
It was two years later before they figured in another golden point game, going to extra time against the Bulldogs at Telstra Stadium after the scores were locked at 18-18 in 2006. The Dogs won 22-18 through a Mark O’Meley try.
In 2007, the Vodafone Warriors were involved in a rare extra-time match which failed to separate the teams. Playing at the Sydney Football Stadium, the score was still 31-31 after 10 minutes, leaving each side with a point from a draw.
Today’s match was the 41st golden point contest since the sudden-death formula was first used. In all 19 have been decided by a field goal play.
