Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning steals the show in hilarious NRL Grand Final scenes

Aussie surfing legend Mick Fanning has been named the early leader for Panthers grand final celebration MVP after a hilarious live interview.

The Penrith Panthers’ celebrations have gone on well into the night — and likely into the next week (if not longer) — but an MVP has already emerged in three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning.

The Panthers sealed a third straight premiership with the biggest comeback in NRL Grand Final history, coming from 16 points down to claim a 26-24 win over the Broncos.

Watch every match of The ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Live on Kayo Sports. Starts THU 6 OCT 7:30PM AEDT. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >

With over 81,000 fans at Accor Stadium, fans were left on the edge of their seats throughout the clash.

But it seems that Fanning may have been preparing for either eventuality.

The Penrith-born surfing champion is a Panthers tragic and was on the lap of honour with the Penrith stars as they celebrated with their fans when Channel 9’s Alanna Ferguson stopped him for a chat.

“Mick Fanning, Fanno …” Ferguson said, before Fanning said: “Are you kidding?”

“This means as much to you as it does the boys doesn’t it?” Ferguson asked.

Fanning: “This is the best thing ever. Oh my god. This is so amazing. Look at it.”

Ferguson: “Is this the way you thought it would pan out, a really close contest of footy and Nathan Cleary just waving that wand to seal the deal?”

Fanning: “Are you kidding? He’s the greatest athlete on Earth. Seriously. Swear to god — greatest athlete on Earth. He just went absolutely loony in that last 10 minutes … so good.”

"He’s the greatest athlete on Earth. Seriously. Swear to god." Photo: Channel 9

Ferguson: “It’s quite incredible what Ivan Cleary has done though. What do you think the scenes would be like back home in Penrith?”

Fanning: “You know what? It’s going to be a black sea and we’re going to have so much fun, let’s go! Are you ready?”

Ferguson: “Okay, we might keep you away from Joey (Johns) for the rest of the night. Emma, who else have you found.”

Johns said on Channel 9 he would give Fanning “three votes” for his performance.

We’re unsure whether Mick will remember too much about the chat in the morning but he’s clearly having a great time.

While you should always drink responsibly, fans were already calling Fanning the MVP of the celebrations.

Sportsbet’s official account commented: “Mick Fanning odds on to be Man of the Match for the post-match celebrations.”

Sky Racing’s Greg Prichard tweeted: “How many beers has Mick Fanning had???!!!??? Wheeeeeeee!!!”

One fan wrote: “Rarely will you see an interview with a drunker person than the one with Mick Fanning celebrating the Panthers win.”

What a time to be a Penrith Panthers fan. Photo: Channel 9

Mick Fanning was having the time of his life. Photo: Channel 9

Another fan tweeted: “Mick Fanning ain’t driving the panthers team bus tonight.”

Another posted: “Seeing a pissed @Mick_Fanning was worth watching the GF celebrations! Bet he was on the Balters!”

Mick Fanning just became a shock winner of the Ryan Girdler Medal for loosest post grand final interview and he wasn’t even playing 👏 👏 👏 #NRLGF

— Mat Henderson (@themathendo) October 1, 2023

Mick Fanning being interviewed after I assume 40 beers was the icing on the cake.

Onya Panthers. ❤️ #NRLGrandFinal

— Australian Dumb-Dumb (@MotherAustralia) October 1, 2023

Mick Fanning plastered, great to see #bellsbeach

— Will Barker (@WillBarks17) October 1, 2023

That’s not Mick Fanning. That is Eugene Fanning. Eugene is notorious. Penny leagues club won’t know what hit it.

— Todd Balym (@balymt) October 1, 2023

I saw Mick Fanning at a pub in Melbourne less than 24 hours ago.

The devil works hard but Mick works harder. pic.twitter.com/4QkQ24N6Bi

— Bryce Heaton (@bryceheaton9) October 1, 2023

It’s hard to blame Fanning or any Panthers fan for celebrating the historic win.

The victory is the first time in the NRL era and in 40-years since the legendary 1981-83 Parramatta Eels side claimed a three-peat, the last time it had been achieved in first grade rugby league in Australia.

The Panthers also claimed the biggest comeback in the history of NRL grand finals to seal the three-peat.

It came after Cleary had one of the greatest 20 minute periods in a grand final to drag his side from 16-points down to the historic win.

“It honestly doesn’t feel real right now. Can’t wait for it to set in,” he said as he accepted the Clive Churchill Medal.

“To the Broncos boys, absolute beast team … very young.

“Shoutout to Ezra Mam as well. You’re a freak. Thank you for that game, it’s the hardest game I have ever played.”