Jake Grace scored two tries, played 80 minutes and he did it all in arguably the toughest position on the field – the front-row.
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And post-game he looks fresh enough to do it all again.
Make no mistake about it, the departing Forbes Magpies skipper will be missed in 2019.
Boasting an incredible record that includes four first grade premierships, including two in Group 11 with his home town team Forbes, the 27-year-old hung up his boots after Sunday’s NAB Western Premiers Challenge 40-16 victory over Bathurst Panthers.
It was the ideal send-off for the Forbes skipper.
“To go out with a win for the boys, I love playing with this bunch and with the team we have around us,” he said.
“They’ll be handy again next year, which is exciting.”
But it will be without Grace, who led the Magpies to a break-through Group 11 premiership in 2016 and again a couple of weeks ago against Dubbo CYMS to claim this year’s crown, booking a spot in the inaugural Premiers Challenge.
“I’ve hung the boots up, it’s a bit sad to be honest. But I’ve made the decision with my family,” he added.
“I’m sure this Magpies team and the culture we have here will go on to bigger and better things next year.
“The little accolades are great, but being part of the team is why I love playing.”
Like Panthers, Forbes went into the post-season clash somewhat under strength but managed to lift despite the absences of Ben Robinson, Jake Hadrill, Brad McMillan and Mosese Qionimacawa – and the early loss of star fullback Charlie Staines – to storm to victory at Bathurst.
Under 18s guns Aaron Mawhinney, Dennis Spathis and Kristian Markwort all took part in the first grade victory.
“It was outstanding,” Grace beamed referencing the effort of his side’s young players.
“We were the better side today but it would have been a pretty good contest if everyone had their best side.”
“We had three debutants out there and they played like they’ve been there all year.
“It’s that team effort that was great.”
After slipping to an early 6-0 deficit, Forbes produced the next 40 points unanswered.
“We had that slow start ... we partied pretty well over the last couple of weeks but we got back into the right frame of mind and we were lucky enough to do that early and made the game our own,” Grade added.