Penrith’s stunning grand final win over Parramatta brought the 2022 season to a close, but the decider also acted as the final curtain call for a number of FOGS who have played their final games in the NRL.

As is tradition at the grand final, players either retiring or moving on from the NRL to further their playing careers elsewhere were afforded a public send-off to thank them for their service.

This year’s acknowledgement took in the departing players from the 2021 and 2022 seasons, with five former Maroons publicly applauded for outstanding careers in front of the sold-out crowd at Accor Stadium.

FOG No.174 Ben Te’o, No.179 Will Chambers, and No. 180 Josh McGuire, as well as Queensland Women’s team stars Meg Ward and Kody House were congratulated by the fans – and Maroons supporter everywhere – for their contribution to the game.

They join an unbelievable array of FOGS to have called time on their careers over the past two seasons – including Cameron Smith, Michael Morgan, Justin O’Neill, Karmichael Hunt and Corey Norman.

The FOGS join the rest of the rugby league community in congratulating these players on their careers, and for their service to the Queensland cause.

While the sun may have set on those careers, there is no end in sight to a developing dynasty at Penrith, with the Panthers absolutely ruthless in their 28-12 disposal of the Eels to claim back-to-back NRL titles.

The Panthers now join elite company in the Sydney Roosters teams of 2018-2019 and the Brisbane Broncos teams from 1992-1993 as the only clubs to win successive premierships in a unified competition in the modern (post-1988) era.

Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards was a deserved winner of the Clive Churchill Medal as the best player in the grand final, leading the way in a Panthers onslaught that never allowed Parramatta to get into the game.

In the NRLW grand final, Queensland star Tamika Upton was simply brilliant at fullback for Newcastle, scoring a try and winning the Karyn Murphy Medal as player of the match as the Knights took their maiden premiership with a 32-12 win over the Eels.

The Rockhampton product was an inspiration for the Knights, and became the leading try-scorer in the history of the competition when she nabbed her 12th career try just after halftime.

Earlier, in the State Championship game between the Queensland Rugby League and NSW Rugby League premiers, the Panthers proved far too strong again, beating the brave Norths Devils 44-10.