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.
However, as others pointed out the medal is not just about the numbers.
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.
“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.
Oingo Boingo
Guest
Look at the garbage they give Australian of the year to , the only qualification they need is to be in bed with the leefties. These kinds of awards are decided long before the final whistle sounds ,not to be taken seriously .
Dean - Surry Hills
Guest
Scour the internet (including the official NRL site) to find who actually casts the votes for the Clive Churchill Medal and the closest you'll get is for the 2013 award where Bob Fulton, Des Morris, Bob McCarthy and Alan Smith voted for a player on the losing team. Never has a player who did not have the potential of representing Australia taken out the award. No Kiwis, No Poms, and No Pacific Islanders. Last years award to Thurston was a joke. He was not even in the top 10 players on the paddock in that game. This years decision to exclude Andrew Fifita for disciplinary reasons is a complete farce. He stood head and shoulders above anyone else on the field. The Clive Churchill medal is to be awarded to the best and fairest on the ground in the the GF, and not to the darlings of the media as a prerequisite for a fairy-tale finish to a career. The judges need a flogging, and punters deserve a refund of all bets placed.
Albo
Guest
Strange choice for mine ! I am a Lewis fan, but I would have had Fifita, Ennis, Prior, Maloney, Smith, Harris, Green & Chambers all ahead of Lewis last night ! Apparently Lewis was the worst way for many betting agencies last night ???
The eye
Guest
Wouldn't for a second begrudge him of it...but personality should never be a criteria for awarding best on ground..regardless,it's a just reward for a wonderful rugby league career ..
MAX
Guest
Gal enticed Luke to Cronulla. That touch of class was on display many times since but last night he played it to the limit and is a worthy winner of the CC.
NovaKay
Guest
Fifita was unbelievable. The best performance by a front rower in a GF since Willie Masons effort in '04. Maybe even better. Surprised he didn't get it.