MATHEW and Jack Lyons' grandmother was watching over them on Sunday.
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Sure, scoring five tries between them as they ran riot down the right edge for Gundagai in a 40-18 grand final win is special enough. But this one was for Nan.
Lucy, who played a huge role in the brothers' upbringing, passed away recently and her funeral was held late last week.
Centre Mathew, 24, played the match with 'Nan' etched on his wrist strapping, and paid tribute with a sizzling three-try performance.
Jack played wing outside him and scored a double. It was fitting he scored the last try of the game after receiving the pass from his older sibling.
Jack joined the Tigers from Southcity this year, and played in the Bulls' grand final win over Gundagai in 2016.
He said Sunday was a bit more special than his first premiership after getting to play alongside Mathew.
"It's a bit nicer doing it with my little brother, it means a lot," Jack said.
"From playing in the backyard to being able to do this, it's unbelievable.
"Nan taught us kindness. She was a strong Christian and taught us to do the right thing. I remember every Christmas she'd have a table full of boxes to give to charities, she was very giving."
Mathew said it was important to him to seal the premiership in her honour.
"I played with Nan written on my wrist and played with my heart on my sleeve as motivation," he said.
"I knew she would have wanted us to win. All our family is here to watch on.
"We just all came together as a team today. I thought we were the best team all year but couldn't quite put a first and second half together, and it was good to do it today."
It was Mathew's maiden first grade grand final win.
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