of 1997's split competition. Building upon the success of the previous season, the rugby league community was made to take notice of the team on the first Saturday of the season. The Chargers scored their first ever victory over the Western Suburbs Magpies. New winger Shane Russell crossed for a club record 4 tries. In a golden period for the club between May and June the Chargers won five and drew one of seven matches. Among their scalps were eventual premiers the Newcastle Knights, whom they beat 32–24 at Carrara, and semi-finalists the Illawarra Steelers 11–10 at Carrara. Later in the season they broke through for their first ever win against the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles since 1989 when they thumped the defending premiers 25-10 before 15,872 fans at Carrara. The charge towards the finals looked to end though when they were humbled 28-6 by Illawarra in round 22 at Win Stadium. However the South Queensland Crushers, playing their last ever match, managed to know Wests out of the running and give the Chargers their first ever finals berth. On 5 September 1997, playing their first ever finals match. The Chargers who were written off by most, defeated the highly fancied Illawarra Steelers 25–14. The match was played at the Neutral venue of Parramatta Stadium. The Chargers led 14–4 at half-time and never let the Steelers into the match. The finals run ended in the second week at the hands of the Sydney City Roosters. The Chargers were defeated 32–10. But this could not take away from what was a remarkable season. Coach Phil Economidis was named coach of the year. The acquisition of Wes Patten from the Balmain Tigers was one of the club's most important buys. The 23-year-old had failed to establish himself at the Tigers. But the Chargers were willing to give him a chance and he didn't disappoint. Patten played in all 24 matches for the Crushers crossing for 12 tries and kicking a field goal. Both Jamie Goddard and Jeremy Schloss played their way into the Queensland State of Origin team. Veteran Martin Bella ended his career on a high note with a number of storming late-season efforts. Coach Economidis took full advantage of the unlimited interchange rule to use the 33-year-old in Bella in short, effective bursts. Leading point scorer for the season was Brendan Hurst with 88 (3 tries, 37 goals and 2