A packed Suncorp Stadium, the weight of New Zealand on his shoulders and the euphoria of being part of a team that's No 1 in the world - Northlander Adam Blair is still coming down from his rugby league World Cup high, but is now looking forward to a well-earned
rest.
The former Whangarei Boys High School student was one of the stars in the Kiwis' World Cup campaign, which culminated in a win over Australia in the final last Saturday in Brisbane.
Blair, 22, was back in his adopted city, Melbourne, on Tuesday night after a whirlwind few days following the triumph.
He was promoted to the starting line-up after Kiwis props Roy Asotasi and Jeff Lima were injured.
Blair scored a try in the 34-20 romp, but he doesn't take all the credit for it, insisting it was a team effort.
"Yeah, it was a pretty lucky try. I just happened to be there at the right time and just picked it [the ball] up."
The win caps what's been a huge year for Blair, who played for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL, and made the grand final - even though they didn't win.
"Yeah it's been a good year. Coming off the grand final loss I really wanted to make the most of the World Cup."
Blair's family, both here and in Australia, were thrilled for him.
"I had my grandparents calling from New Zealand and my mum up all night getting calls from people."
But he won't be making a trip back to Northland any time soon, as his mum and brother and sisters moved to Australia to support him in his professional career.
"My family's all over here now so I haven't got as much reason to go back."
What he is planning is a holiday "somewhere hot", possibly Hamilton Island in Australia's north.
"I went into the club [Melbourne] yesterday and some of the guys were into pre-season training already," he said.
"I think I need to just chill out for a while, give the body a rest and get away from Melbourne - otherwise I'll get bored and go to the gym."
He hopes the win will inspire New Zealand youngsters to follow their dreams in rugby league.
"It's definitely a stepping stone for New Zealand rugby league.
"When I was younger, watching the New Zealand team was awesome ... it would be good if it encourages kids to stay in league."
A packed Suncorp Stadium, the weight of New Zealand on his shoulders and the euphoria of being part of a team that's No 1 in the world - Northlander Adam Blair is still coming down from his rugby league World Cup high, but is now looking forward to a well-earned
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