Penrith grand final hero goes to collect his premiership ring from a young fan – and you won’t believe what happens next

Penrith Panthers superstar Izack Tago got more than he bargained for when he went to collect his premiership medal following Sunday’s NRL Grand Final win over Melbourne.

The young Panthers star put in a huge performance in the centres in the 14-6 win over the Melbourne Storm.

He carried the ball for 135 metres, had a staggering 32 tackles, forced a drop out and broke two tackles in a willing performance.

The Panthers backline was also tested after winger Brian To’o left the field injured in the 60th minute, but Tago and the rest of reshuffled backs answered the challenge perfectly.

It was a performance that would impress any footy fan – and it certainly impressed one young fan at Accor Stadium.

As Tago went to collect his premiership ring from the young supporter, he decided to be a bit cheeky about how he handed the prize to the Penrith centre.

The kid immediately dropped to one knee, holding up the ring like it was an engagement and ‘proposing’ to the Panthers star.

‘That’s gotta be stitch up surely,’ one viewer posted.

‘Brilliant! What a character!’ added another.’

‘What a lad,’ posted another footy fan.

The kid then proceed to drop to one knee and present the ring like it was an engagement ring

It was an incredible moment for Tago, a local St Marys junior and product of the Panthers junior development pathways who debuted for the club in 2021 – the year of the first premiership. 

The Samoan international had a rollercoast of a season after he signed a monster contract extension that will keep him at the foot of the Blue Mountains until 2028.

Off-field issues involving former Panther and good friend Taylan May impacted the 22 year old and his form consequently dipped.

However, while Tigers-bound winger Sunia Turuva was dropped three times this season, coach Ivan Cleary kept the faith with Tago.

Tago put in a huge performance in the NRL decider after signing a huge contract extension earlier this season

Tago previously admitted it had been a tough season for the club despite sitting near the top of the NRL ladder.

‘There’s been ups and downs and we’ve had lots of new combinations throughout the season,’ he said.

‘Clez [Nathan Cleary] being injured too. Sort of every time we find our feet there’s a change, something happens… someone has a niggle.

‘It’s a hard job for coach [Ivan Cleary].

‘We have a lot of good backs, so I think everyone is fighting for a spot and doing their best trying to play good each week.’