Newcastle Knights captain Hannah Southwell has revealed the heart-warming message her sister Jesse said to her after the side’s second NRLW premiership in a row.
The older sister missed last year’s decider through injury but managed to take the field this time around, putting in a brilliant defensive performance.
Post-game, the skipper said there was a simple three-word message her youngster sister and superstar teammate had for her.
LIVE COVERAGE: All the latest updates from grand final day
READ MORE: Reynolds labelled ‘best buy in Broncos history’
READ MORE: Gus reveals Walsh fear ahead of grand final
“It’s pretty special, she came up straight away and gave me a big hug and said ‘we did it’,” she said.
“I think that just showcases how much it means to us and our family, I saw Mum and Dad in the stands and even though she had sunglasses on I could tell she was crying.”
Southwell’s ACL injury last year meant she not only missed Newcastle’s grand final win but the World Cup for the Jillaroos too.
At times throughout the game, the 24-year-old looked as if she may have reaggravated the injury with two stoppages in play but admitted part of the reason was to give her side a rest.
The captain went on to pay tribute to the club for sticking by her during her rehabilitation stage.
“It means a lot to our family but not only that a lot to the club, the club have backed us, I had a serious knee injury and they could’ve said ‘see ya later’ but they didn’t,” she explained.
“They stuck by me, they helped me with my rehab and here we are.
“I just wanted to repay the club and say a big thank you for not only supporting me but Jesse as well.”