LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
NRL SuperCoach champion Blake Gentle, a 25-year-old Cronulla electrician who still laces up his boots in the A-Grade halves in Sydney's Sutherland Shire, has just pocketed a cool $50,000 in winnings.
And with his first expense lined up to shout the drinks at Dragons five-eighth Kyle Flanagan's buck's party this weekend in Melbourne, Gentle knows he'll have to watch his wallet as Flanagan looks to squeeze every penny out of him.
As a groomsman at Flanagan's upcoming wedding, Gentle and the Dragons playmaker go way back as great family friends, growing up together in the rugby league heartland of Cronulla.
Despite Flanagan steering clear of the SuperCoach realm, Gentle admits that their conversations occasionally touch on how he fared in the weekend's games.
With sporting analogies running through his veins, Gentle is no stranger to the competitive spirit both on and off the field.
And as he gears up to celebrate Flanagan's upcoming nuptials, he's well aware that his $50,000 windfall will be the talk of the weekend - just like a star player shining on the big stage.
But with a history of camaraderie and a shared love for the game, Gentle and Flanagan's friendship is set to weather any storm - or pricey bar tab - that comes their way.
As they raise a glass to the future, Gentle's SuperCoach success is just the beginning of what promises to be a legendary celebration for the ages.