- Panthers defeated the Melbourne Storm in the 2024 NRL Grand Final
- Completes four consecutive titles for the rampaging side
- One young star got more than he bargained for after the match
Penrith Panthers superstar Izack Tago got more than he bargained for when he went to collect his premiership medal after Sunday’s NRL Grand Final win over Melbourne.
The young Panthers star put in a great performance in the centers during the 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm.
He carried the ball for 135 metres, had an impressive 32 tackles, forced a drop and broke two tackles in a willing display.
The Panthers’ backline was also tested after winger Brian To’o left the field injured in the 60th minute, but Tago and the rest of the redeployed backs answered the challenge perfectly.
It was a performance that would impress any footy fan – and it certainly impressed a young fan at the Accor Stadium.
When Tago went to collect his premiership ring from the young supporter, he decided to be a little cheeky about the way he presented the award to the Penrith centre.
The little boy immediately dropped to one knee, held up the ring as if it were an engagement and proposed to the Panthers star.
“That definitely needs to be sewn up,” one viewer posted.
‘Brilliant! What a character!’ added another.”
“What a boy,” another football fan posted.
Tago walks onto the stage to collect his premiership ring after the Penrith Panthers’ victory over the Melbourne Storm in the 2024 NRL Grand Final
The child then drops to one knee and presents the ring as if it were an engagement ring
It was an incredible moment for Tago, a local St Marys junior and product of the Panthers junior development pathways who made his debut for the club in 2021 – the year of the first premiership.
The Samoan international has had a rollercoaster of a season after signing a monster contract extension that will keep him at the foot of the Blue Mountains until 2028.
Off-field issues involving former Panther and close friend Taylan May affected the 22-year-old and his form dipped as a result.
However, while Tigers-bound winger Sunia Turuva had to drop out three times this season, coach Ivan Cleary remained loyal to Tago.
Tago has put in a huge performance in the NRL decider after signing a huge contract extension earlier this season
Tago previously admitted it had been a difficult season for the club despite being at the top of the NRL ladder.
“There have been ups and downs and we’ve had a lot of new combinations throughout the season,” he said.
‘Clez [Nathan Cleary] also get injured. Every time we find our feet, there’s a change, something happens…someone’s got a little problem.
‘It is a tough job for the coach [Ivan Cleary].
“We have a lot of good backs, so I think everyone is fighting for a spot and doing their best to play well every week.”