The statistics never lie – or so the saying goes. But try telling that to the tens of thousands of crestfallen Manly fans who watched in agony as the Sea Eagles dominated the 2013 NRL grand final in most facets of the big game except where it mattered most – on the ANZ Stadium scoreboard. Exclusive statistics supplied by NRL Stats show the Sydney Roosters clinched the 2013 title despite recording just a 62.8 per cent completions rate – the lowest ever rate by a winning grand final team since the NRL began in 1998 and the lowest in a premiership decider since Parramatta accounted for the Bulldogs 4-2 in 1986 despite just a 60.5 per cent completions rate. By comparison the Sea Eagles completed an excellent 82 per cent of their sets in possession. Compounding the disappointment of Manly fans was the fact their team made fewer errors (seven to the Roosters’ 13), missed fewer tackles (25 to 26), made more line busts (5-4) yet still couldn’t seal the deal. However, a 5-2 advantage in penalties helped the tricolours secure a crucial 53 per cent share of possession. This translated into 16 more ‘used plays’ throughout the 80 minutes. http://m.nrl.com/news-display/how-roosters-defied-stats-to-win/75038
