The so-called NRL 50-point curse has become one of the most talked-about trends in rugby league. No team in the modern era has gone on to win the premiership in the same season they conceded 50 or more points in a match.
Each year, fans track which sides fall into the category — particularly contenders — as history suggests a heavy defeat can derail even the strongest campaigns. Below is a running list of every team to concede 50+ points during the 2014 NRL season.
4 teams conceded 50+ points in 2014
Canberra Raiders (x3), Parramatta Eels, Newcastle Knights, Wests Tigers.
Round 22, 9 Aug 2014
Wests Tigers conceded 50+ points
North Queensland Cowboys 64, Wests Tigers 6
1300SMILES Stadium
Round 21, 3 Aug 2014
Newcastle Knights conceded 50+ points
South Sydney Rabbitohs 50, Newcastle Knights 10
Barlow Park
Round 21, 3 Aug 2014
Canberra Raiders conceded 50+ points
New Zealand Warriors 54, Canberra Raiders 18
GIO Stadium
Round 9, 10 May 2014
Canberra Raiders conceded 50+ points
New Zealand Warriors 54, Canberra Raiders 12
Eden Park
Round 8, 27 Apr 2014
Canberra Raiders conceded 50+ points
Manly Sea Eagles 54, Canberra Raiders 18
Brookvale Oval
Round 2, 15 Mar 2014
Parramatta Eels conceded 50+ points
Sydney Roosters 56, Parramatta Eels 4
Allianz Stadium
Can a team win the NRL after conceding 50 points?
Historically, the answer has been no. While teams have recovered from heavy losses to make finals, none have gone on to win the premiership in the same season after conceding 50 or more points.
That makes every blowout result significant — especially for teams in the top eight — as it places them under immediate scrutiny for the remainder of the year.