- Panthers beat Melbourne Storm in 2024 NRL Grand Final
- Complete four consecutive titles for the sweeping team
- A young star got more than he bargained for after the game
Penrith Panthers superstar Izack Tago got more than he bargained for when he went to collect his premiership medal following Sunday’s NRL Grand Final victory over Melbourne.
The young Panthers star put in a strong performance in the centers in the 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm.
He carried the ball for 135 metres, made a staggering 32 tackles, forced a retreat and broke two tackles in a voluntary performance.
The Panthers’ defense was also tested after winger Brian To’o left the field injured in the 60th minute, but Tago and the rest of the reorganized defenders responded perfectly to the challenge.
It was a performance that would impress any football 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 by presenting the award to the Penrith centre.
The boy immediately got down on one knee, holding the ring as if it were an engagement and ‘proposing’ to the Panthers star.
“Surely needs to be sewn up,” one viewer posted.
‘Bright! What a character!’ added another.
“What a boy,” posted another football fan.
Tago takes to the stage to collect his premiership ring following the Penrith Panthers’ victory over Melbourne Storm in the 2024 NRL Grand Final.
The child then proceeds to kneel and present 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’ youth development pathways who debuted for the club in 2021, the year of his first premiership.
The Samoan international has had a rollercoaster 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 good friend Taylan May impacted the 22-year-old and his form dipped as a result.
However, while Tigers-bound winger Sunia Turuva was dropped three times this season, coach Ivan Cleary kept faith in Tago.
Tago put in a strong 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 near 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) is also injured. Every time we find our feet there is a change, something happens…someone has a problem.
‘It’s a tough job for the coach (Ivan Cleary).
“We have a lot of good running backs, so I think everyone is fighting for a spot and doing their best to try to play well every week.”
