A Maori touch is credited for giving the Melbourne Storm the extra edge needed to win the NRL grand final in Sydney on Sunday.
The Storm won 23-16 after leading 10-0 at half-time. It was their second National Rugby League title in three years.
Commentator Ken Laban told Waatea News that assistant coach Steve Kearney from Te Atiawa and Ngati Toa was critical in the win for the way he's managed the increasingly diverse cultural makeup of the team.
Laban also said the Storm has more Maori players in its development ranks ready to join Adam Blair from Ngapuhi in the top team.
