I am still kind of in shock today, but waking up to be premiers is a special morning.
No one let us down last night, I was even cheering when May came on the field - happy to see some fresh legs.
Toâo and Edwards magnificence at the back with both 240m+ in running, near perfect defense, and playing with injuries to (moon) boot!
From the front Fish and Leota just did what they do best, making 10-15m per carry, bashing the defense.
Our outside forwards all did there job yet again with dominating defence. Martin somehow was reported as been the 3 quickest man on the field, such was his speed off the defensive line. Great to see Kikau find form, farewell to Capewell, and Sorensen was outstanding as ever, so glad heâs with us next year.
Api did what Api does, not a complete standout like Simmons or Priddis, but effective non the less.
I didnât think I would be saying this, but Momo can hold his head high, with a fantastic defensive game again. Yes he canât pass the ball, but players canât get past him either.
Farewell Burto, see you again in 2-3 years maybe. You put in a star performance like we know you are. Bet you didnât think youâd score first in a winning grand final playing centre, and winning dally m centre of the year. Wish you all the best, as you will need it playing next to an average at best half, and behind a beaten pack.
Crighton- the wing probably was not where you thought youâd play, but you have not faulted in the position. Great intercept try (that was do or die as if heâd missed Souths would have scored), I have been impressed with your ever increasing running metres.
To those who helped get us here, Kenny, Staines, TPJ, Eisenhuth, Tago, May, Smith, Hopgood, Naden etc I salute you. A premiership like this can only be won by a team, and you all have given for the team when called upon. Some of you leave us this year, best of luck, Others are young and will get to play more next year and beyond. Some of you are our stars of the future.
And now to the big 3 - Yeo, Cleary and Luai
Yeo has had his best season and captained a grand final winning team, his running, his ball playing, his organisation and vision has made him the complete player. I will call it now - Future Kangaroos captain.
Cleary - hope the Clive Churchill makes up for missing out on the Dally M. To think your best years are ahead of you is scary. You have silenced the doubters.
Luai- you brought your A game last night and we won off the back of it. Again you can only get better.
Thank you to the coaches; Cleary, Ciraldo and Wallace. You have all brought your skills and intellect to help us win. Very gutsy call with playing the injured players (especially Edwards), but boy oh boy has it payed off.
And lastly, thank you to the fans and all the members of this site, itâs what makes a team a team, a club a community, and a sport a religion. The contributions you make no matter how big or small, all contribute to our clubs success.
91-03-21 has a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings, how good was Toâo proposing to his partner after the match!
One very happy panther right now