McHugh missed the Roos previous grand final appearance in 2012 after undergoing back surgery half-way through that season and was restricted to just four games in 2013 as he elected to give his spine time to recuperate properly.

The move proved a masterstroke as he returned this season in much better shape, and despite missing some matches due to rib issues, he was able to hang a premiership medallion around his neck.

"It's been bloody hard work to get to this point over a few years now," he said as he savoured the emotions of his side's 42-24 win over Orange Emus on Saturday.

"To be honest with my back there were times when I wondered if I'd walk properly again but I've battled through it and this is just amazing.

"I've been with the club for a long time now and there's so many boys with stories of why this means a lot to them, I'm not the only one."

With a raft of injuries behind him and a premiership victory now locked away on his playing resume, McHugh admitted he isn't sure what his rugby future holds.

"Towards the end of the game I heard a couple of blokes yell out from the crowd saying "he's only got 10 minutes left, give him the ball" but to be honest I don't know whether I'll play next year or not," he said.

"To go out like this would be pretty magical but there's also a lure of trying to win another one. We've got a good bunch of boys here.

"I'll probably let the dust settle a bit on this and enjoy the celebrations with the boys before I think too much about it."