1997 ARL season
The 1997 Australian Rugby League season was the 90th season of top-level rugby league in Australia and the third run by the Australian Rugby League (ARL). Twelve ARL-loyal clubs competed for the Optus Cup as the season ran from 7 March to 28 September, with some teams involved in the rival Super League that year. Manly were the minor premiers, and the Newcastle Knights won their first premiership after a dramatic comeback, defeating Manly 22–16 in the Grand Final at the Sydney Football Stadium before 42,482 fans. Robbie O’Davis of Newcastle won the Clive Churchill Medal for best on ground.
Key players and awards:
- Brad Fittler won the Provan-Summons Medal as player of the year.
- Jason Taylor was the top points scorer with 242.
- Terry Hill scored the most tries with 22.
- Scott Cram was named rookie of the year.
Season context:
- The ARL season ran parallel to the Super League competition, with eight ARL-aligned teams absent from the ARL that year.
- ARL chairman Ken Arthurson resigned in February 1997 to help pave reunification talks between the rival leagues.
- Balmain Tigers changed their name back to the Sydney Tigers this season.
- Negotiations between the ARL and Super League led to the formation of the NRL for the 1998 season, which would include 20 teams after the merger.
- State of Origin was won by New South Wales 2–1, and City vs Country was won by Country 17–4.
Grand Final:
Newcastle trailed 8–16 at halftime but rallied to beat Manly 22–16, securing the Knights’ first premiership in a memorable finish.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 12:17 (CET).