Jeff Lima of 2009 NRL champions the Melbourne Storm. Photo / Getty Images
Melbourne 23
Parramatta 16
A misty-eyed Jeff Lima grabbed the microphone on the National Rugby League podium and bellowed "this is for Samoa".
It was an emotion-charged grand final victory for the Kiwis and Melbourne Storm forward last night, after he revealed his fiancee Christina Mualia lost an aunt and a niece in the
Samoan tsunami tragedy last week.
"She's upset but she's smiling now. Obviously this win means a lot to her and my family," Lima told NZPA.
The pair planned to marry in Samoa at the end of the year.
Lima said it was a difficult buildup to the biggest game of the year after hearing the news on Wednesday.
He spent the next 24 hours desperately trying to contact his grandparents in their village, fearing the worst.
"It took a while because I couldn't get through the lines. I eventually got through to my granddad and they were safe and well.
"It's just pretty sad for other people who are doing it tough. Hopefully winning this premiership gives them something to smile and cheer about. " It was Lima's second premiership in three years, after being part of the victorious 2007 squad against Manly.
Meanwhile in the Parramatta dressing room, former Kiwis forward Joe Galuvao sat glumly.
Galuvao and his wife Maybelle both feared for family members last week but they all turned up safe and well.
"It didn't affect my preparation in any way. I tried to use that as motivation today, but the best team won. At least all our family are okay so I'm very happy with that. " Galuvao pitched in last week in the relief effort, and with a friend who was manufacturing t-shirts through the www.nesianwear.com.au website, had already raised A$3000 in a few days.
Corporate sponsors were matching their funds dollar for dollar.
Galuvao knew what a winning grand final felt like, having tasted victory with Penrith in 2003.
But last night hurt because it was his farewell match for the club, having signed with Manly for next year after the Eels gave him permission to look elsewhere.
"It sucks to be honest. But that's football and we can learn from it hopefully.
"I'm shattered for the boys, especially being my last game for the club. The club's been so great to me and it's going to be sad to leave."
- NZPA
