Former NRL enforcer turned radio identity Mark Geyer has revealed he fractured his larynx in the historic 1991 grand final in a most bizarre way – by screaming.
‘MG’ was discussing the current Penrith Panthers squad on Triple M Breakfast when he made the unusual admission about his injury in the decider.
‘I’ve never felt such jubilation ever on the sporting field as when I won the grand final,’ the former Panthers second-rower said.
Mark Geyer celebrating the Panthers’ 1991 grand final win against the Raiders
Geyer says he broke his voice box by screaming when Simmons scored against the Raiders
‘It was the most amazing feeling I’ve ever had.
‘I screamed that loud when Royce Simmons scored in the corner to win the game that I fractured my larynx.
‘I screamed that loud. I felt something pop.’
Panthers fans who remember the fairytale win in 1991 may have some sympathy for Geyer.
The Panthers team had lost to the Raiders in the final in 1990, so the squad, led by playmaker Greg Alexander and a seasoned Simmons was committed to going one better in 1991.
The side even pledged to ban drinking beer in the hope it would give them an edge.
The star-studded Raiders team, with the likes of Mal Meninga, Bradley Clyde, Steve Walters, Ricky Stuart and Laurie Daley, was imposing – but the Panthers were up to the task.
Mark Geyer (left) in his playing days pictured with Mark Carroll on a Kangaroo tour
A field goal to Alexander put the Panthers ahead 13-12 before Simmons crossed for his second of the afternoon to seal a memorable maiden grand final win for the western Sydney side.
They celebrated in style with hundreds of fans lining the M4 cheering the bus home.