The Sea Eagles had ended their 26-year wait for a premiership the previous season against the Roosters, beating them 19-14, and they took the field in the ’73 decider at the SCG with nine internationals in their run-on 13.
Cronulla in contrast were the definition of a young team on the rise with fresh talents like teen sensation Steve Rogers, who had debuted that year, Warren Fisher, Steve Edmunds and Rick Bourke flourishing under the leadership of grizzled English veterans Tommy Bishop and Cliff Watson.
Minor premiers Manly finished just one point ahead of the second-placed Sharks and enjoyed a smooth run to the grand final, getting the first week of the finals off and enjoying a second week’s rest thanks to their 14-4 major semi-final win over Cronulla.