Without a doubt in his mind, 2016 has been the best year of Luke Lewis’ life.
It began with the birth of his first child, now the Clive Churchill Medal and a second premiership.
Lewis was one of Cronulla’s many heroes as the Sharks broke their famous 50-year premiership drought with an epic 14-12 victory over minor premiers Melbourne on Sunday night.
The tough back-rower played 80 minutes of a gripping contest, making almost 150 metres with his 16 runs along with 28 tackles.
When Cronulla began to feel it slipping away in the second half it was Lewis who would produce a big carry at the right time, or turn up and make the next tackle.
It was a memorable performance in an unforgettable 12 months – on and off the field.
“2016 is something I’ll never forget. To come into this season knowing I was having a kid and then to come in here with the side we had a win a comp, my daughter was born six months earlier, it’s the best year of my life by far,” Lewis said.
“How do you sum it up? To be a part of history at [this] Cronulla club, it’s the best feeling in the world.
“It’s something you never really think of but when you put it into perspective of being the first team to win in [a premiership in 50 years] is pretty crazy.
“For me I’m just glad we got away with it and we can say just a big thank you to all the fans. To everyone who turned out tonight, everyone who has given us support through the year, everyone who has backed us through the good times and the bad and everyone back at Cronulla will be partying like hell tonight.”
Forced out of his boyhood club Penrith, Lewis knew he still had some of his best football in front of him and wanted to land at a club that could help him win his second premiership.
Little did he know then what he would do for that club in return, helping deliver a maiden title that meant so much to so many.
“It was hard leaving Penrith and I always wanted to come to a club where I knew we could win a premiership and four years into my contract here we are today,” Lewis said.
“Words don’t describe how I’m feeling at the moment. It’s surreal at the moment.
“I’ve learnt a lot over my time, had a lot of ups and downs. I’ve been through a lot of adversity I suppose but at the same time I wouldn’t change it for the world. If I did I wouldn’t be here tonight. I’m just very blessed to have this opportunity.”
Lewis paid tribute to his teammates who stood alongside him during the battle, refusing to yield under moments of Melbourne pressure – and refusing to give up with the game began to look lost.
“It’s such a blur, I don’t really remember the game. I can’t believe I’ve got this thing around my neck, it’s so special,” he said.
“If it wasn’t for the 17 blokes in my team I wouldn’t have this.
“I felt like crying to be honest. I had to pinch myself and say ‘is this really happening?’”