There are always some nervous moments before an NRL grand final.
But arguably the greatest sigh of relief came for players and fans hours before Penrith claimed their third title, outlasting South Sydney 14-12 in Sunday night s decider at Suncorp Stadium.
NRL players take great delight in engaging with the community and boosting spirits.
And while these deeds are not done for praise or attention, the off-field work of 13 players has been recognised with a nomination for the 2021 Ken Stephen Medal, sponsored by Your Local Club.
The nominees, put forward by their NRL clubs as part of the annual NRL Community Awards, are listed below with their junior teams:
Adam Doueihi (Wests Tigers/Strathfield Raiders)
Cody Walker (South Sydney Rabbitohs/Casino Cougars)
Jamal Fogarty (Gold Coast Titans/Beaudesert Kingfishers)
Jamayne Isaako (Brisbane Broncos/Aranui Eagles)
Jarrod Croker (Canberra Raiders/Goulburn Stockmen Juniors)