Including the Major-Semi final just two weeks earlier, Manly entered the contest having defeated the Eels in their two recent encounters. However, a dominant Brett Kenny saw Parramatta take the game and successfully defend their crown, 21–8. Following the Grand Final loss, 6 players were selected to the 1982 Kangaroo tour. Coached by Frank Stanton (now at Balmain), the 1982 Kangaroos became the first touring squad to go through Great Britain and France undefeated, thus earning themselves the nickname The Invincibles.