State of Origin match-winner Nathan Cleary says it felt "surreal" to execute a flawless performance alongside teammates old and new to secure yet another piece of silverware.
The Wally Lewis Medal winner welcomed back Liam Martin on his shoulder and former three-time premiership Panther teammate Stephen Crichton outside him and coincidentally played with the freedom and confidence that has been a key indicator of success in big games throughout his career.
"He's a freak," Cleary said of Martin, who missed the series opener through injury before being recalled for Game III.
"Having him there and then 'Critta' outside me was just like the old days with Penrith, so it was good to team up with them and share in the win.
"It's pretty similar, being able to achieve something like this and it being sought after for such a long time and among this group... it's nice to overcome that and galvanise this group and enjoy it, it's pretty surreal."
The tactical changes in personnel and the persistence in the halves pairing with superboot Mitch Moses all flowed into Cleary's confidence to bring the necessary "physicality" to the game.
Nathan Cleary Try
"I wanted to prepare as good as I could and let my confidence come through that preparation and to play freely, that was the main goal and I was happy to be able to do that and get a win.
"(The Wally Lewis Medal) is a good feeling, but I think to win the shield and being able to hold the Shield among the boys with that camaraderie we've been able to build, they're the moments I'll never forget, I'll remember those for the rest of my life, embracing everyone and sharing that.
"Unbelievable, it's a great feeling, honestly a dream come true, so just trying to soak it up at the moment and enjoy it."
It may look like another box ticked to those on the outside, but Cleary has no lack of motivation to do it again - not to silence any critics, but to reward the supporters who have backed him to a level putting him alongside the greats of the game.
"I don't like losing games and I've been in too many deciders where we've lost, it's a horrible feeling, so it's nice to be on the other side of it tonight," Cleary said.
"It's a great feeling, but I've never really looked at it as a box to tick.
Nathan Cleary 2nd Try
"The game of rugby league, you never complete it. There's always things to get better at and always things to improve at and I've been saying that for a long time.
"This is really nice to enjoy this moment with a special group and we'll make the most of it, but it doesn't mean anything really, I want to keep getting better and keep going.
"I think if I read into (the critics) too much, then it affects me and it's a waste of energy, so I'd rather look to the people who are always in my corner and always supported me and that's this group, that's Laurie (Daley), that's my family, my close friends and partner and to be able to share something special with them.
"It's not about the people writing me off, they can say whatever they want, but I'll enjoy this moment with those close to me."
