Ellis will join Australian side Wests Tigers in 2009 on a three-year deal and he said he couldn't have written a better script.

Said Ellis. "It's a dream come true. When I knew I was leaving Leeds, the perfect way for me to go out was by winning this Grand Final.

"A lot of people doubted us, they probably hoped we would win but had it in the back of their mind that we'd struggle.

"That did us a world of good, because it took a bit of pressure off, but we knew what we were capable of. We played outstandingly well with the conditions and we deserved it."

Ellis added: "It's great to have won the Grand Final and the World Club Challenge twice.

"To do it with this group of lads is great. It's unbelievable, but I will leave with a lot of fond memories of players and spectators and friends I've met along the way.

"I could not have wished for a better experience than this."

Replacement prop Nick Scruton will join Bradford Bulls next season and he revealed his farewell appearance almost never happened.

Scruton – one of the two members of Saturday's team who didn't play in last year's Grand Final – said: "It was touch and go whether I'd play.

"I broke my wrist last week against Wigan, so I had to play with a pain-killing injection.

"I broke my nose against Wigan as well. I put my hand up and said if you want me to play, I'll play.

"The wrist's sore now, but it's worth it. It's a happy pain, I'm chuffed to bits."

Speaking in the changing rooms after the game, Scruton added: "I can't explain how it feels. I've never experienced anything like this, the World Club Challenge was great, but this is different.

"If I wasn't in a room full of lads, I'd cry right now. I am made up."

Rhinos' victory broke England skipper Jamie Peacock's record of winning the Grand Final every other year.

"It's the best Grand Final I've been involved with," said Peacock, who paid tribute to the "great" support from Rhinos' fans. Nobody outside the inner circle believed we could win, so it's the best Grand Final win ever.

"Character and resilience were the two key words. With about three minutes to go I thought we'd won it.

"Saints are a great team and they can always come back in situations like that, so it's fantastic."

Summing up the season, substitute Ali Lauitiiti said: "We have had our highs and lows, but we came through and we've learned heaps. It is awesome and I am just happy for the boys."

Prop Kylie Leuluai said: "It's a better feeling than last year. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster year, with losing Toops (Clinton Toopi) and then Brent (Webb) before the final and being written off by everybody.

"We played for each other out there."