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Cronulla Sharks second-rower Luke Lewis has won the Clive Churchill Medal for his man-of-the-match performance in the Sharks historic victory over the Melbourne Storm in the 2016 NRL Grand Final.
All the wash-up from the NRL grand final:
» LORD: Gallen leads Sharks into history books
» PRICHARD: 13 extra seconds, but the Sharks did it
» Five talking points
» Ten best tweets from the match
» Sharks player ratings
» Storm player ratings
» Match report: Sharks’ wait over
» Re-live the match with our live blog
The 33-year-old played all 80 minutes and had 16-runs for 148 metres as well as 28 tackles in the match.
Even though Melbourne lost the match some on social media thought Cameron Smith’s incredible 74 tackles meant he was one player who deserved the medal more.
@Ceez_Bds absolute stitch up. Smith deserved more than Lewis, with 74 tackles
— Luke Rayner (@LukeJRayner) October 2, 2016
However, as others pointed out the medal is not just about the numbers.
Luke Lewis will deserved Churchill Medal. The game isn't all about the stats. #NRLGF
— Ando (@ando4285) October 2, 2016
Lewis paid $8 with the bookies for the Clive Churchill Medal. It was his second premiership win after helping Penrith to the title in 2003.
In his man-of-the match speech he paid credit to Melbourne for being the benchmark team all season, but saved the most praise for his teammates.
“To my boys. This (Churchill medal) wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for you boys. So I love youse all,” Lewis said.
Anyone get the 'youse' count for Luke Lewis? I lost track #NRLGF
— Harry Healey (@therealhhealey) October 2, 2016
“To my family, my Mum, step-dad, sister, my wife and my beautiful baby girl, I love you and you made 2016 the most memorable year of my life.”
The Sharks won the match after finishing with a 14-12 scoreline against the Melbourne Storm, thanks to tries from Ben Barba and Andrew Fifita.
The Storm did take the lead briefly late in the match, but Fifita’s try but the Sharks back in front.
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