More than 40,000 spectators attended the "modern day corroboree" on Worimi Country at Raymond Terrace in New South Wales.

Kevin Walters pulls off a few surprises in his Australian squad for the Rugby League World Cup, but the side he will try and lead to glory is proof we are in a new era for Test football.

Naufahu Whyte wouldn't have looked out of place should he have won the Clive Churchill Medal after the Roosters' grand final victory, and the Tricolours prop is adamant we have yet to see his best.  

The grand final sides feature in the Kangaroos squad for the Rugby League World Cup, with James Tedesco back in and Sydney's Sam Walker and Newcastle's Bradman Best among six debutants.

Grand final hero Mark Nawaqanitawase lifts the Provan-Summons trophy to adoring fans as his coach describes the Roosters star as "extraordinary".

Sidelined for the NRL grand final due to concussion, Connor Watson reveals the touching act from coach Trent Robinson. Christian Nicolussi

A Knights win was always going to be the romantic story, but to show the Roosters anything but the utmost respect is to misunderstand their journey to NRL glory.

Newcastle could not have been braver. They were right in the grand final until the last minute, but their night would – and should – have been over much earlier had referee Adam Gee sin-binned Kalyn Ponga for a high shot on Victor Radley. Christian Nicolussi

Newcastle came as close to winning a premiership as a team can without winning one but there is still honour to be found after their grand final loss. 

After skippering the Sydney Roosters to their first men's premiership in seven years, James Tedesco claims the Clive Churchill Medal as the player of the match in the grand final.