Double the celebrations for Mulcahy family

The family of exciting young Wests Tigers five-eighth Matt Mulcahy have plenty to celebrate when their son returns home to Mullumbimby.

For it is not every day a father and son win two premierships in a season, albeit in different grades and circumstances.

Premiership number one came through Kevin Mulcahy, who at the age of 51, tasted his first Grand Final victory playing for Mullumbimby Giants in the Reserve Grade competition a few weeks back.

Fast forward to last Sunday where Kevin’s son, Matt, scored two tries in a superb performance in helping Wests Tigers to win their first NYC premiership. His efforts saw him take home the Jack Gibson Medal for man-of-the-match.

“It has been a crazy and exciting few weeks for the family,’’ Matt said.

“Dad played in the back-row and at centre in the grand final. He has done so much for the Giants on and off the field through various roles.”

Fortunately for Matt, his dad, his mum Roslyn, sister Hannah, and brother Kurt, were at ANZ Stadium to watch him shine on rugby league’s biggest day of the year.

“They were not sitting all together because I had to get two lots of separate tickets to cater for them,’’ Matt said.

“I was looking out for them on the lap of honour. It was so nice to share the moment with them all.”

Making the moment even more special was his good mate in Wests Tigers half-back Jacob Miller. The pair have been childhood friends since playing their junior footy together at the Giants.

It was Miller who secured a trial for his best mate. But it hasn’t always been roses for Mulcahy who was almost cut by NYC Coach Todd Payten during the pre-season. Mulcahy survived and plied his trade in the Bundy Red Cup for Burwood North Ryde before getting a call up in round 15.

Payten later started Mulcahy at five-eighth to partner Miller in round 26. The rest is history.

“I can’t believe how lucky I am,’’ Mulcahy said.

“It has just been an incredible journey. I don’t think it will sink in until I’m back at home having a few drinks with my mates at the Hotel.

“To play alongside Jacob in the Grand Final was amazing. I suppose it just shows how far we have come together.”