Well weeks like this don't come along all that often. With the thrill of our team winning the Grand Final against a side that many called (well at least until last Sunday) as one of the best ever assembled, every kid and indeed parent on the Northern Beaches has grown a few inches taller this week.

Whether it be Max Delmege who 7 years ago funded a financial rescue package that would have definitely seen the end of our club if he hadn't come along, the undoubted talent of the players over the past few years or the tireless work of Des Hasler as coach (who by all accounts was back at work by 10am Monday!!) - there are many heroes in this triumph.

However I do want to point out one for special acknowledgement who played his last game for the club on Sunday. Steve Menzies has been a hero since he made his debut for the Sea Eagles in 1993. During this time he achieved all representative honours, ended up leading try scorer for a forward of all time in the NRL and so in pure footballing terms he was a genius.

Despite this undoubted brilliance, which was culminated with a try in a winning grand final team, to me the mark of Steve was who he was off the field. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the community performance of the Sound of Music last year. He threw himself into this event which was raising funds for Bear Cottage and spent time casually chatting with the many kids who were starry eyed as they stood on the same stage as their hero.

Steve has selflessly over the years given his time to support local charities and his humble demeanour around fans contrasted very strongly with other similar athletes who listened to the roar of the crowd rather than the 8-year-old voice asking for an autograph from their hero.

He also reintroduced the word loyalty to the NRL. Steve despite the onslaught of agent whispers, Super League and million dollar contracts, could not be lured from his home... his club. So whilst this week we celebrate a team that has achieved something incredible, we also celebrate someone in our community who as a leader should be applauded for his undoubted football skills but also, and perhaps more importantly, a testament to humility and selflessness.

In times of global uncertainty it is great to celebrate both team and human triumphs.

Cheers
Mike

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