Classy five-eighth Zach Nicholls was a key figure in the Wentworthville Magpies brutally absorbing Ron Massey Cup grand final victory over the Auburn Warriors on Sunday, earning man-of-the-match honours in the 38-4 showing.
Having a hand in the Magpies opening three tries with his brilliant passing game and a scorching bomb that couldn’t be defused, Nicholls went on to steer his team to victory along with crafty halfback Jake Walsh.
Nicholls spoke of his raw excitement following the hard-fought contest and says he was confident in his team being able to deliver in the crucial decider.
“I thought we played really well, we knew they were going to come out firing at the start and then after 20 minutes again,” he told NSWRL.com.au
“We handled that well; we just played tough and completed well enough.”
Nicholls and Walsh have been a shining light throughout the 2017 season while also playing pivotal roles in their sides battle for field position on Sunday afternoon.
Their kicking game was first-class and worked prominently off the back of their barnstorming forward pack who gave them significant momentum through the middle-third.
After taking a comfortable 22-6 lead at half-time, Nicholls said the message at the break was to focus on the basics of their game plan against a team who pride themselves on their power game.
“For me and Walshy [Jake Walsh] it was just to complete and complete well - get to our kicks and keep turning them over,” he said.
“There a big team so you just have to keep turning them over.”
The Magpies were full of confidence following a dominant finals campaign with a convincing win 46-12 win over Hills District in week one of the Finals, before continuing their good form with a rampant 38-8 victory over Guilford in the preliminary final.
Nicholls says their strong run of form was a key factor in the Magpies clinical display on the weekend while also exclaiming his passion for the game that was re-ignited throughout another successful season.
“We had a really good finals run and that helped a lot, the boys are confident and just love playing footy.
“This is one of the most fun years I’ve had and I haven’t enjoyed my footy this much in ages.”
After gaining invaluable experience within the Holden Cup System after stints with the Sydney Roosters and Many Sea Eagles, Nicholls won’t give up on finally cracking the big time and is waiting for the opportunity to one-day live out his dream.
“I'd love to play first-grade, it’s my dream to play.
“It will be interesting to see if I get an opportunity but for now I’m just happy with the win.”
