Sonny Bill Williams has said goodbye to rugby league in the fine and fitting fashion that only he would know - leading the Sydney Roosters to their first NRL Grand Final win since 2002 in a thrilling game fit for any Grand Final.
Indeed, like SBW the boxer, Sydney had looked down and out twice in this game when they went down 6-0 early in the first half and then 18-8 in the 2nd half as Manly started like Team New Zealand in the America's Cup - fast out of the blocks against the fastest boat in the regatta, only for the fastest boat to catch up and pass and win.
That they did 26-18 in the best Grand Final in years.
The Roosters showed why they won the Minor Premiership this season with some exhilirating play with SBW key in two moments of brilliance, including Michael Jennings' amazing try at the end.
Daniel Tupou could be the AFL's next target after tonight's tremendous aerial display. Under the high ball he was magnificent, scoring the Roosters' first try from a high bomb and being solid throughout.
It is also coach Trent Robinson's first ever Grand Final win - in his first season too.
Shame he won't have SBW available for next season with SBW now set to sign with the Blues for the next Super Rugby season now that he has accomplished his latest mission. But there's of course a highly anticipated match in the ring against rising Kiwi heavyweight champion, Joseph Parker, before all that.
Anyway, congratulations Roosters!
SBW is staying with the roosters and if he wasn't it would have been the chiefs not the blues
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