Match Summary

The Parramatta Eels will meet Newcastle in the 2001 Grand Final after prevailing against an outclassed but dogged Brisbane Broncos at Stadium Australia in the second of the Preliminary Finals. Both sides were below their best, but it was an absorbing contest, with the lead changing hands five times in the first half.

However, some crucial mistakes by Broncos' centre Chris Walker in the second half proved the difference, bombing two tries and surrendering another to let the Eels slip to an 8-point lead. From there it was catch-up football, and while the Broncos were gallant they were outclassed. The Eels overcoming their preliminary final hoodoo to reach their first Grand Final in 15 years.

For the Broncos it was a sad farewell for hooker Luke Priddis, winger Wendell Sailor and lock Darren Burns who move elsewhere in 2002.

Parramatta 24 defeated Brisbane 16 at Stadium Australia, Sydney