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 2013 NRL season.
5 teams conceded 50+ points in 2013
Parramatta Eels (x4), Wests Tigers (x3), Canberra Raiders (x2), New Zealand Warriors, Brisbane Broncos.
Round 26, 8 Sep 2013
Parramatta Eels conceded 50+ points
Newcastle Knights 54, Parramatta Eels 6
Hunted Stadium
Round 26, 7 Sep 2013
Wests Tigers conceded 50+ points
North Queensland Cowboys 50, Wests Tigers 22
1300SMILES Stadium
Round 25, 31 Aug 2013
Canberra Raiders conceded 50+ points
New Zealand Warriors 50, Canberra Raiders 16
Mt Smart Stadium
Round 24, 25 Aug 2013
Parramatta Eels conceded 50+ points
Melbourne Storm 64, Parramatta Eels 4
AAMI Park
Round 23, 19 Aug 2013
Wests Tigers conceded 50+ points
Sydney Roosters 56, Wests Tigers 14
Allianz Stadium
Round 21, 4 Aug 2013
Canberra Raiders conceded 50+ points
Melbourne Storm 68, Canberra Raiders 4
Canberra Stadium
Round 17, 8 Jul 2013
Parramatta Eels conceded 50+ points
Manly Sea Eagles 50, Parramatta Eels 10
Brookvale Oval
Round 12, 3 Jun 2013
Brisbane Broncos conceded 50+ points
New Zealand Warriors 56, Brisbane Broncos 18
Suncorp Stadium
Round 10, 18 May 2013
New Zealand Warriors conceded 50+ points
Penrith Panthers 62, New Zealand Warriors 6
Centrebet Stadium
Round 10, 17 May 2013
Wests Tigers conceded 50+ points
South Sydney Rabbitohs 54, Wests Tigers 10
ANZ Stadium
Round 4, 1 Apr 2013
Parramatta Eels conceded 50+ points
Sydney Roosters 50, Parramatta Eels 0
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.
