Panthers great breaks down on live TV after Grand Final win

Penrith legend Greg Alexander had to be supported by his colleagues after an emotional moment following the Panthers’ Grand Final win.

Greg Alexander was emotional after the Panthers' Grand Final win.

Greg Alexander showed it goes much deeper under the surface at Penrith.

The former Panthers star was overcome with emotion when speaking on Fox League minutes after the Panthers lifted the NRL premiership shield on Sunday night.

The Dally M Medal-winning legend was in awe of the new breed of Panthers stars after they hung on for a famous 14-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium.

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His emotions came after declarations from Panthers players after the game about their desire to return to Penrith and — at some point when Covid-19 restrictions allow — celebrate with their fans.

Alexander’s reaction shows it wasn’t just lip-service when the players spoke about their genuine connection with their Western Sydney community.

Greg Alexander was emotional after the Panthers' Grand Final win.

Alexander was a wreck after seeing another proud day for the club.

“I can’t believe it... I can’t,” he said before needing to take a brief moment to compose himself.

“That was the worst 10 minutes of my life.

“That was... I’m so proud of them, I really am.

“It’s overwhelming. It’s beautiful really, I don’t know what to say.

“I cannot believe that they held on. We’ve spoken about their efforts through the finals series, to beat a fully-fit Melbourne side busted and to do it again tonight against Souths, who looked dangerous every time they touched the ball.

“They just didn’t allow Souths the field position that Souths needed to win. They just didn’t allow it.

Greg Alexander after the Grand Final on Fox League. Photo: Kayo.

“Their will to win was incredible. They were hanging on by the skin of their teeth, they turned up when they looked gone. When they looked like they were about to be opened up they just did something.

“They’ve won the comp. I can’t believe it. It’s such a good thing.”

NRL legend Cooper Cronk said it was “one of the coolest moments of my life” to see how much the victory meant to Alexander.

Originally published as Panthers great breaks down on live TV after Grand Final win