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Darren Albert: Tries, Tries, Tries

"Albert will score! Albert will score! Newcastle have won the Grand Final!"

Close your eyes. Picture it. Hear it.

It's burned into the hearts, memories and minds of Rugby League fans around the country.

For people in the Hunter, it's essentially gospel.

It was the moment the skinny winger from Scone etched his and his team's name into NRL history, winning the Grand Final with a try as the fat lady was clearing her throat.

But for those who knew the way Albert played, the moment came as no surprise.

The hero of '97 was renowned for his speed and finishing ability on the right edge.

For example, the often forgotten moment of Albert's career was his incredible try saving tackle on a flying Matt Seers in the '97 preliminary final.

Not to mention he scored 77 tries in 112 NRL games, an incredibly high strike rate.

A broken ankle was all that stood between him and a second title in 2001, picking up the injury in the 40-6 win over the Roosters in the Qualifying Final.

He found similar success in the United Kingdom.

In four seasons with St Helens, Albert scored 87 tries from his 122 appearances and won the 2002 Premiership.

He also won the Challenge Cup Final in 2004.

Albert called time on his career after a one-season stint with Cronulla, where he again picked up plenty of four pointers.

His career was a personification of consistency. Albert was reliable in attack and defence and never gave less than 100%.

He featured for NSW Country in 1997 and 2001, and even became an Origin player in the drawn 1999 series.

Albert always punched well above his weight, but unfortunately injuries plagued his illustrious career.

He played just one game in 1998, 17 in '99 and 12 in 2000.

But he never let it get in the way of his obvious talent, skill and speed. Albert remained at his try-scoring best right until the end.

But it was the events of the 80th minute of the '97 Grand Final that Albert will always be remembered for.

A piece of history that nobody will ever be able to take away from him.