Sonny Bill Williams’ rugby league career would appear over.
Three-hundred-game legend Anthony Minichiello won’t play again.
And the Sydney Roosters have become the latest side to fall short of the NRL’s most difficult achievement – winning back-to-back grand finals.
After winning a second straight minor premiership, the fairy-tales were meant to roll out on cue for the all-star Roosters.
But unlike last year, this finals series hasn’t gone to plan for the tri-colours.
Most, including Williams thought his time in the NRL was over when he unceremoniously walked out on the Canterbury Bulldogs back in 2008 to play rugby union.
But his two years in rugby league have added to a brilliant legacy, which boasts premierships, a Super Rugby title and a World Cup win with the All Blacks.
Next year though, Williams returns to New Zealand rugby and at 29 years of age, it seems unlikely he will return to the 13-man code.
Williams would have been hoping to leave with a perfect record of two crowns from two years at the Roosters – but on Friday night in a 32-22 preliminary final loss to South Sydney – the dual international was helpless.
As the game was slipping from the Roosters’ grasp, Williams was penalised for passing the ball off the ground.
It’s a move that’s legal in rugby, but Sonny wasn’t meant to be there just yet.
Club legend Minichiello leaves without the premiership farewell he craved – but at least he gave fans something to remember him by.
After making two uncharacteristically embarrassing errors last week in the semi-final win over North Queensland, Minichiello proved he was all class against the Rabbitohs in his 302nd game – scoring a brilliant double.
For the first he flew high above Greg Inglis to put the Roosters up 12-0, the second was a consolation try at the death.
But now it’s all over for the Roosters and two of their all-time greats.
In week one they were upset by Jamie Soward and the giant-killing Penrith Panthers.
Then against the Cowboys they gave up a 30-0 lead and were desperately lucky to escape with a one-point victory.
Against Souths in the preliminary final, the Roosters powered to a 12-0 lead, but the ruthless consistency that defined their 2013 premiership once again eluded them, as Souths’ broke a 43-year drought to win 32-22.
The Brisbane Broncos of 1992-93 remain the last team in a united rugby league competition to win back-to-back premierships.
Elma Dudd
Guest
He is a Muslim so going to the shire and getting on the gear with the rest o the boys was never an option.
cronulladave
Guest
SBW has made the right move. All Blacks or Roosters? Not a hard decision.
cronulladave
Guest
SBW has made the right move. All Blacks or Roosters? Not a hard decision.
MAX
Guest
Are you out for the weekend and obviously off without your medication ? Souths v Easts was a great game of Rugby League and far superior to Union Pitiful where one game in a hundred could stand comparison with the speed,skill, courage and endurance displayed last night. Try understanding class and quality.
Dave Hill
Roar Rookie
It's good to see SBW and Big Sam are going to a game that is not run by communists. Such a left wing game run by right wingers. Souths are in the GF because it's good for the game. It's good for business. Souths have been awarded 66 more pens this season than the Roosters. Nrl are just making sure they have the right team in the GF......
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Mini is a legend and deserves every accolade afforded him. Glad he played a cracker in his last game. $BW also played very well last night and overall a great two season stint.
Elma Dudd
Guest
It's the easiest thing to do isn't it !
jacksyd
Guest
Seeya, now let's get back on more of Souths
Peter
Guest
Ha ha! Missing him already, dear?
AdelaideWill
Guest
but who will Gus talk endlessly about, regardless of the score?
Albo
Guest
Two great players finishing up there NRL careers and each leaves us with very different perspectives about our great game. Mini was a loyal, record breaking one club player, and a great team player who always gave 100% for the Roosters, whilst SBW has also been a great player, but with no personal loyalty to a club or even the NRL code. His was a personal quest to challenge and test himself with no great sense of obligation to anyone else. Both players deserve the respect for what they have achieved in our game.
Elma Dudd
Guest
What have you achieved in your lifetime Peter ?
Peter
Guest
Na na na na, Na na na na, Hey hey hey, Goodbye SBW!