Luke Walsh was playing in France in 2017.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The former NRL and English Super League halfback recalls tuning into the Newcastle RL grand final online and seeing the Briggs brothers celebrate a premiership together with Macquarie.
Walsh, now the Western Suburbs captain and recently crowned Newcastle RL player of the year, has the chance to do just that alongside his own sibling and halves partner Ryan.
Not only that, but Walsh will also be next to best mate Warren Schillings when the Rosellas meet Cessnock in the end-of-season showdown at McDonald Jones Stadium on Sunday.
The pair grew up near each other, started footy at Cardiff juniors, moved to the Glendale Gorillas and eventually landed at Wests before reuniting again last year after a lengthy time apart.
Life has come full circle in 2019 with Schillings and Walsh coaching their sons back at the Cougars.
"It was always in my mind. I always wanted to come back [to Wests] and have a year or two. But after retiring professionally last year I was like should I or shouldn't I and will the body hold up?" Walsh said.
"Everything turned out alright, but I also wanted to come back and play with one of my best mates in Schillo and to have the opportunity to play with my brother is something special.
"I remember watching the 2017 grand final when I was over in France. The three Briggs brothers after they won it and seeing what it meant to them.
"If I could do that next to my brother and Schillo it would be something I'd cherish forever."
Walsh, a former Knights and Penrith Panthers player, has ventured onto the Turton Road venue previously but not leading a team out as skipper.
"It's going to be really exciting and I can't wait," Walsh said.
"I've never captained a team in a grand final, semis over in England, but not the big one so it's something I'm looking forward to."
Cessnock leader Steve Waetford has been instrumental for the Goannas' strong run home after returning in the last round from extended time off with a tricep injury.
"Maybe we should play like that every week, like we're going to get knocked out every week," Waetford said of Cessock's latest four must-win encounters.
"We've always known what talent there is in the team ... but now there's a good vibe around there ... and when you win you get that momentum and what better way then to make the grand final."
Cessnock haven't beaten Wests in seven previous grand final meetings from 1966, including three since 2008.
The Goannas last clinched a major crown in 2003 while the Rosellas' most recent triumph was 2014.
Cessnock pair Brendan Hlad and Dan Metcalf are set to retire after the decider while Wests' Mark Taufua and Brad Tighe are also likely to hang up the boots.
