Jake and Tom are managed by Paul Sutton and he always felt Manly were the best fit. That far-sighted attitude was important in the negotiations. The pair have upgraded deals for 2017 and cashed in for the following three years. Jake's new three-year extension is worth about $2.1 million, while Tom's deal is for $2.7 million. Throw in the upgraded deals and you have a solid investment. Both will play Origin and are sure to challenge for higher honours. As well as being great talents, they are from good stock and there have been few more important signings for Manly in recent times. Gallen of courage from skipper

Perhaps the best-kept secret of the grand final was just how sick Paul Gallen was in the lead-up to the big game. Gallen was edgy during the week on most occasions I saw or spoke to him. It was easy to dismiss it as grand final nerves. After the game, and moments before his now-famous "porch light" speech on stage, he was in a bad way. I went up to congratulate him. He turned to me and said: "Mate, I think I'm going to pass out." After the clash Gallen was buggered, but not giving much away. "I don't know why, but I had no energy out there," he said. The sight of Gallen on one knee on the sideline with sweat pouring off him after 25 minutes was odd. He normally goes for 30 minutes in his first spell and isn't too spent. His second spell was typical Gallen and his grand final was strong, the highlight setting up Ben Barba's try. Warrior: An exhautsed Paul Gallen celebrates with Andrew Ettingshausen after winning the grand final. Credit:Getty Images

"In the lead-up to the game, I broke out in this rash – it was all over my back," Gallen said. "At first we thought that I was bitten by a spider, but I went to the doc and it was actually shingles ... adult chickenpox. I couldn't take anything for it and it really knocked me around. I was so flat and had no energy. I was struggling. Afterwards they said I could take the medication, but I've been on the drink all week. Maybe that will cure it." Gallen was a relieved man after the match and let his guard down about how badly the ASADA situation had affected his life. "I remember [Sharks trainer] Mark Noakes probably saved me one night," Gallen said. "I'm thankful to the group of people who surrounded me when I needed [help] and kept me sane." Noakes said: "I've never seen the guy so rock bottom. I don't want to say what he said, but I had to stay with him for quite some time." Tats not all folks

It was a hoot being with the Sharks players as they went through the process of choosing their grand final tattoos. They worked as a team to get their designs right – and get their player numbers right. Chris Heighington was leading the chat. "I'm running out of skin to put these premiership tats on," he boasted. His only other tattoo is from Wests Tigers' premiership in 2005. The highlight of post-premiership celebrations was the blond hairdos sported by Jack Bird and Barba. They promised they would get their hair done if they won a comp. And James Maloney crowd surfing. "That's off my bucket list now – crowd surfing at Northies," he said.

Lewis all class For the record, my best five Sharks in the grand final, in order, were: Andrew Fifita, Luke Lewis, Matt Prior, Maloney and Bird. For the Storm, Tohu Harris was the clear standout and nearly best on ground. Lewis was a thorough gentleman when talking about criticism of him winning the Clive Churchill Medal. "None of that worries me because, in the end, any of the players in this team could have got the medal," he said. Look who's back

Todd Carney is back in town, and he is delighted for his old teammates at the Sharks. He has been hanging out with back-rower Wade Graham and living in Coogee with his close buddy, Roosters forward Boyd Cordner. Best-laid plans The selection of the Kangaroos' Four Nations tour squad has changed a lot of plans. But perhaps the biggest drama surrounds joined-at-the-hip forwards Aaron Woods and David Klemmer. Woods gets married on Friday and best buddy Klemmer was due to attend. "Klem's dogged it," Woods said with a laugh. Well, kind of. Klemmer could be in Mal Meninga's team for the clash with New Zealand the following night, while Woods has been given time away from the squad to celebrate. A stride for life Former Rabbitohs and Panthers player Darren Brown will be walking from Sydney to the Gold Coast to raise awareness and funds for Suicide Prevention Australia. The team consisting of Ben Higgs, ambassador for Suicide Prevention Australia, Shawn Howell, Jason Webb, Dave Mcelhinnney and Steven Heighes, will make the 900-kilometre trek over 15 days, stopping at many country towns where suicide has become a major issue. "Suicide is the largest killer of Australian men under 45years old," Brown said.

For details, see everydayhero.com.au/event/walkitoff Lifeline 131114; MensLine 1300789978; Beyondblue 130022463