IT’S usual for the winning team in any game – especially grand finals – to dish out platitudes to the vanquished.
But Sydney Roosters second rower Nat Butcher has gone further in terms of apparent sincerity and eloquence in regard to Newcastle, who his Tricolours defeated 19-18 at Accor Stadium on Sunday.
“They’re all heart, that team,” the man who played 47 minutes off the bench told 2GB.
“They’re such a high quality team. They deserve to be here today. Unfortunate for them not to get the job done but all their supporters and fans, they should all be proud.
“They’re all heart.”
Butcher, 29, was more traditional in his summation of his own feelings, saying: “Mate, best ever … grand final win!
“The boys deserve this, they’ve worked so hard for it. It’s been a long time coming.”
But there was finally a bit of bravado in his next comment.
“I’m glad the trophy’s coming back home,” he said.
