Northern Thunder had a day to remember on Saturday as it claimed three NRL Victoria Metro premierships.
The Thunder won the first grade men’s premiership along with the third grade premiership and the under-18s division 1 competition. .
Its under-16 side fell short in the decider.
Thunder president Matthew Lane said everything had come together for the club the past few years.
“It has been in the planning for quite some time,” he said. “It was a four-five year plan to get where we are at this season.
“It’s pretty exciting.”
The Thunder’s hopes this season were boosted by having two former NRL players as part of their side.
Young Tonumaipea, who started at the club before his NRL career, has returned to where it all began.
Full back Justin O’Neill, who played nearly 200 NRL games, also came on board.
“He’s been working at Melbourne Storm and we share the same facility,” Lane said of O’Neill.
“He’s good friends with Young and he asked if he wanted to have a game for us.”
The first grade premiership is the first for the Thunder under the Northern Thunder banner, having previously won two as the Coburg Lions.
The first grade grand final was a really strong display from the Thunder as it beat the Truganina Rabbitohs, 32-6.
The Thunder scored six tries before the Rabbitohs even scored one.
Junior Seumanu scored two tries for the Thunder. He was awarded the player of the match medal.
Lane said even though they had been in control for the whole game there were still nerves throughout.
“Truganina have been the benchmark in the NRL Victoria competition for the past 10 years since they’ve come into the competition.
“They’ve won it six times. The stars aligned with the team we got together and it was a pretty dominant game.
“It can change pretty quickly and you can score a couple of tries. Even with 10 minutes to go I was still nervous.”
The third grade side beat the Doveton Steelers, 42-20, in its grand final.
The under-18s won 30-0 against Altona Roosters in that grand final.
Lane said with all the talent they have in the club they’re hoping to build a dynasty.
“We have an enormous amount of talent coming through,” he said.
“The premierships are great, but the player development through the Storm and the higher pathway system is more important.
“We have 13 or 14 under-18s that will come up into seniors and will be first grade players if they don’t go on to bigger and better things.
“The premierships are a cherry on the top.”
Lane said their other focus next year would be getting their women’s program back up and running after not having a side this year.
