GRACE Hamilton accepts the Super W trophy, with a huge smile on her face walks off the podium to her waiting team-mates, the hoists the silverware and cheers at the top of her lungs.
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The delight was clear to see from the Panuara talent after leading New South Wales to their fourth consecutive undefeated Super W crown, the Waratahs posting a 45-12 win over Queensland in Saturday's decider at Coffs Harbour.
It was Hamilton's second season as Waratahs skipper, but unlike season 2020 which saw her side declared champions on the back of finishing minor premiers as COVID-19 forced the cancellation of the finals series, this time she got to lead them into battle in the decider.
In Saturday's captain's run she called on her squad - who had beaten the Reds 47-26 in the opening round of the competition - to show intensity across the entire contest.
"We just want to play our best rugby and I think we haven't shown that yet, yeah we've had a half of it, but we've got to be consistent throughout the 80 minutes," she said.
Just five minutes into the decider the Waratahs found themselves down 5-0, Liz Patu scoring off a pick and drive close to the line for the Reds.
But eight minutes later the Waratahs opened their account and from there they set about taking control of the contest.
Hamilton took plenty of strong carries while the star number 8 also helped her side gain ascendency in the scrum.
By half-time the Waratahs led 19-5, Hamilton playing a role in her side's third try, and they went on with it in the second stanza.
They were clinical as they outscored the Reds seven tries to two to extend their remarkable Super W run, Hamilton leading the side in a passionate rendition of the team song as they celebrated the success.
"The Waratahs were clinical and held control of the match either side of half-time, key minutes in a final, and their experience as a squad was evident," Queensland head coach Rama Chand said.
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