Pat Richards was delighed to help Wigan to the Super League title - even he did suffer a serious injury in the Grand Final.
Veteran Deacon "made up" to be a Grand Final winner again
Pat Richards was delighed to help Wigan to the engage Super League title - even he did suffer a serious injury in the Grand Final.
The Warriors were crowned champions for the first time in 12 years on Saturday evening when they defeated St Helens 22-10.
The win over their arch rivals was even more impressive considering they saw newly-crowned Man of Steel Richards limp off during the first half.
The Australian-born Ireland international left Old Trafford on crutches and could miss the start of next season after rupturing an Achilles tendon.
Good times
"We've just won a Grand Final, so good times," said Richards, who had won an NRL Grand Final with Wests Tigers before moving to England.
"It's an Achilles injury but we'll work that out after we stop celebrating.
"I've played every game this season so I feel pretty lucky. To be part of this win is very special. It has been a great year. We have led the comp from day one and we totally dominated the game.
"This is right up there for me, I have now won a title in both countries. Hopefully there will be a few more down the track."
Wigan had raced out of the blocks in the showpiece fixture with three tries in the opening quarter, although Saints did hit back with a score before half time from Andrew Dixon.
However a pair of penalties from Mark Riddell, who took over the kicking duties from the injured Richards, combined with a try from Sam Tomkins secured a comfortable victory for Michael Maguire's men.
For Paul Deacon the win was even more special considering he never thought he would get the chance to play in another Grand Final.
The 31-year-old won three times at the home of Manchester United during his Bradford career before joining his hometown club during the last off-season.
Unreal
Deacon said: "My last Grand Final was 2005 and I never imagined I would be playing in another, so I am made up.
"I have said in the past why I decided to come to Wigan - (because it is) my hometown club and the opportunities that they gave me with the contract.
"To end up winning a Grand Final is a bit unreal.
"We controlled the game, came out of the blocks firing and Saints couldn't handle us. The start certainly won it for us.
"I was surprised it went that well - it is a Grand Final, it's the unknown, there's nerves and tension.
"But it all just fell into place and we showed what a quality side we are."
The former Great Britain international, who is also on Wigan's coaching staff, signed a playing contract for the 2010 season but insists he has no intention of hanging up his boots just yet.
He added: "That is the plan, I am hoping to play again next year. We'll just have to see if things can get sorted now."
