Tigers Bask in Victory

The Wests Tigers completed their improbable run to the 2005 NRL premiership on Sunday night, clinching this year’s title with a 30- 16 win over the North Queensland Cowboys in the 2005 Grand Final.

The fairytale Tigers, quoted as being at 150-1 to take home the trophy at one stage this year, claimed their maiden premiership in their sixth year as a joint venture with a five tries to three win in front of in excess of 82,000 fans at Telstra Stadium, plus millions more watching and listening on right around the world.

Much of Sydney was decked out in Tigers’ colours in the week leading up to the big game, and celebrations continued long into the night after the win, as the victorious team was taken to both Wests Leagues Club at Ashfield and Balmain Leagues Club to be presented to thousands of jubilant supporters.

Later on Monday, the team was greeted by jubilant crowds at both their traditional home grounds, Leichhardt Oval and Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

The Tigers, slight favourites heading into this battle of first time grand finalists, were effusive in their joy after capturing the game’s highest prize. “Unbelievable...best moment of my life” said prized Tiger five-eighth Benji Marshall to Channel Nine of the achievement just moments after fulltime.

Tiger captain Scott Prince, a North Queensland native, awarded the Clive Churchill medal for best on ground in the Grand Final shortly before lifting the trophy aloft, succinctly described things as “sensational.”

Veteran prop John Skandalis put it simply; “Dreams do come true, mate, and my dream’s come true”.

Even normally reserved coach Tim Sheens got into the spirit. Sheens, now a four-time first grade premiership winner as a coach, said “This is just outstanding”.

The themes of teamwork and how it all started weren’t forgotten either. Speaking to Channel Nine after the game, second rower Mark O’Neill, having played presumably his last game for the Tigers, said the achievement of the team was the “culmination of a lot of hard work”.

His starting second row partner Ben Galea told of what happened “All the boys stuck together...we knew we could do it”.

Despite their defeat, the Cowboys were clapped as they arrived back at Townsville airport on Monday. Speaking of the game, centre Josh Hannay told AAP “It just wasn’t our night. We’ll look back in a couple of days and be very proud of our achievements”.

The night certainly belonged to the Tigers, the NRL premiers for 2005. In the minds of many, the magic they provided as they created history will take a long time to fade away.

For not only did they capture the rugby league title. They captured many rugby league hearts as well.