Tragic Newton dominates Gleeson's mind on big day

The former Huddersfield Giants centre fittingly produced one of his finest displays yet to help his hometown club to their first Super League success in 12 years.

But Gleeson conceded he could barely get erstwhile Great Britain colleague Newton – the ex-Leeds, Bradford and Wigan hooker found hanged at his home last Sunday – out of his head throughout the 80 minutes.

"My wristband said RIP, for Terry," he said.

"A few of us here were very close to Tez and he was best mates with my cousin (ex-Wakefield centre) Sean.

"This one is in his memory as much as anything.

"It was the most emotional game I've ever played in and surreal really; I'm so happy to be on the winning side but was thinking about him a lot throughout. I hope he's resting in peace somewhere nice, looking down. We've eight or nine Wiganers in this team so it's the ultimate final for a lot of us but I'm just so glad we won for Terry as much as us."

A minute's silence was held for fellow Wiganer Newton, who lost all four Grand Finals during his career but played alongside Gleeson in the famous Sydney 2006 win, the first time Great Britain had beaten Australia on their soil in 14 years.

Saturday night saw Gleeson, who scored in Saints' Grand Final success over Bradford eight years ago, finally lift his second title.

"After leaving St Helens (in 2004) and Warrington, then seeing them both win so much, I was beginning to think I was a curse," said the 30 year-old, who joined from Wolves early last season, shortly before they hoisted the Challenge Cup.

"I'm surprised they let me come here! This is down to the coach, who makes us work so hard for each other.

"We're pretty much the same team as last year, it's just a different mentality and attitude."

Many thought the colourful Gleeson, who once received a four month suspension for notoriously betting against his own St Helens side, would not survive under Michael Maguire's strict regime when the disciplined coach took over at the end of last year.

But, like the rest of the Wigan players, he has reached new levels under the Australian's command.

"This guy is ruthless; he wants things his way and won't take anything less," admitted Gleeson.

"There's a different work ethic amongst us.

"There's no hiding, no getting away with anything."