Tedesco sends Origin warning with masterful display in Roosters' big win
NSW State of Origin captain James Tedesco hit top form on the eve of the 2020 series as he helped the Sydney Roosters withstand…
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Social media can be a cruel place, but on big sporting days it often produces gold. The NRL grand final was no different.
For the second straight year we were treated to an absolute bell-ringer of a contest between two sides going at it for 80 minutes.
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
» Sharks player ratings
» Storm player ratings
» Match report: Sharks’ wait over
» Re-live the match with our live blog
Cronulla continued the 2016 theme of the sporting underdog by winning their first ever premiership.
In the twittersphere, predictably a fair few had a crack at the famous Jack Gibson quote who said ‘Waiting for Cronulla to win a premiership is like leaving the porch lamp on for Harold Holt.’
#BREAKING: the porch light is off. Harold Holt is home #NRLGF
— Andrew Brown (@AndrewBrownAU) October 2, 2016
Time to party like it’s 1967!!!!!!!!#NRLGF pic.twitter.com/n9K0bRWQlR
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) October 2, 2016
There were those who perpetuated the shire/rugby league stereotype.
83,000 in the crowd and 190,000 Southern Cross tattoos. #NRLGF
— Mike Goldman (@mikegoldmanlive) October 2, 2016
There's going to be a lot of people waking up with unfortunate Southern across tattoos tomorrow morning. #NRLGF
— Lauren (@ohmyloz) October 2, 2016
While this gif summed up the feelings of Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy.
Penalty on the last tackle… #NRLGF https://t.co/haeysC2kye
— Ladbrokes.com.au (@ladbrokescomau) October 2, 2016
The pre-match entertainment and general Channel Nine coverage copped it.
First time I’ve heard a pub full of blokes applaud a commercial break.#NRLGF
— Former Legend (@Former_legend) October 2, 2016
There were also some brilliant cross-code references to the AFL.
Bloody Cronulla. I bet they don’t even get Bob Murphy to lift up the trophy. #NRLGF
— Titus O’Reily (@TitusOReily) October 2, 2016
Earlier, things didn’t go according to plan in the pre-game build up with retiring Tigers player Dene Halatau’s name spelt incorrectly.
And how hard is it to spell a guy's name right? DENE Halatau #NRLGF pic.twitter.com/9shBUpFgdI
— Catherine Botman (@cat_botman) October 2, 2016
It wasn’t all tongue-in-cheek and taking the piss tweets that had social media love. The classy post-game interview with losing Melbourne Storm captain was appreciated by many.
It's easy to be glorious in victory, however it takes courage to be humble in defeat. Take a bow Cam Smith. #NRLGF
— Hugh Bowman (@HugeBowman) October 2, 2016
Finally, the hyperbole of Sharks fans seemed a bit much for those neutrals in the crowd at ANZ Stadium.
Bloke just yelled "I've been waiting 50 years for this.
Guy is mid 20's at most.
Good one m8#NRLGF
— Josh Howe (@JoshO567) October 2, 2016