This interview capped one of the greatest grand finals (and grand final celebrations) in rugby league history. For those of you under about 33 years of age who don't remember how big this day was in NRL history, we've done our best to summarise below. 

Newcastle, a town reeling from the closure of the largest employer BHP, faced the minor Premiers Manly with a gun team packed with the likes of Lyons, Toovey & Hopoate. Manly were reigning premiers and had won their last 11 against Newcastle. Their best player, Andrew Johns (sorry Matt), was in hospital with a punctured lung & 3 broken ribs. Newcastle were up against it.

While massive underdogs, Newcastle hung in there but were down 16-10 with 7 minutes to go before a Robbie O'Davis try levelled the game. For the league enthusiasts.... just rewatch the whole game and keep an eye Robbie O. He was dazzling and went on to win the Clive Churchill. 

With scores level, 30 seconds to go, an Andrew Johns field goal attempt is charged down. Newcastle regather. Albert plays the ball down the right side 25m out.  Last play of the game. Johns goes into dummy half, body moves left, one handed scoop and goes right down the blind slide... cover defence comes across and he bounces out of the tackle to give it back to Albert who runs through a gaping hole the size of the Spit Bridge to win the game on the buzzer. Clutch play. Crowd goes wild. 

And the celebrations to follow also go into the history books.

We're stoked to collaborate on this piece of the Australian history. It was truly, truly, better than lego.

Linny

Chief Smuggler