ALLAN Zreik has always been the man behind the greatest prize in rugby league.
A humble Lebanese jeweller and 1960s immigrant, no less who almost two decades ago approached ARL officialdom with the simplest of ideas.
Grand final rings, he says. I told the league guys I couldnt understand why they were awarding medals to their premiers.
Said why dont you give them a prize they can wear again?
Initially, they werent convinced footballers would wear a ring. But they agreed to give it a try.
That was 1997. Height of Super League.
Come October, Zreik striking rings for both warring factions before, the following year, starting a partnership thats seen him design and manufacture every NRL premiership ring ever made.
Until now.
For while he may be the founder of leagues most prized possession, Zreik has this past fortnight been told by NRL officialdom his services are no longer required.
A string of emails explaining how the grand final prize had been put to tender. And the man who came up with idea, who has forged every ring ever worn ... well, his workmanship was no longer good enough.
And hearing that, I couldnt believe it, the jeweller says. The news just broke my heart.
Did worse than that, too.
On Tuesday of this week, Zreik spent two days in intensive care, his blood pressure off the charts. Doctors later revealed how heightened stress levels had almost claimed his life.
So I just want to know what I did wrong, says the owner of Zed N Zed jewellers. I just want someone from the NRL to say how Ive upset them.
Ive had no phone calls, no meetings, nothing. Just an email saying the rings were going to tender.
Then after putting in my application, a second email saying Im no longer required.
According to an NRL spokesman, the league sought tenders for the 2015 and 2016 rings to deliver the best quality product for the players.
They added that while Affinity Diamonds had won the right to supply, Zreik would this year continue to make rings for players who join the 300 Club.
So who is this guy they discarded?
Well, arriving here from Lebanon aged 18, Zreik was first introduced to rugby league by a workmate who, each Saturday, always had a transistor radio attached to his ear.
One day I asked what he was listening to, the jeweller recalls. Within months, I was hooked.
Apart from having personally sponsored four NRL teams, City-Country, even St George Juniors Referees, Zreik has continually and quietly given back to the game.
Like when Canterbury were stripped of all points during the 2002 salary cap scandal and Zreik, knowing the players werent responsible, fashioned them each a gold ring. Coaching staff too.
All up, 26 pieces funded from his own pocket.
Elsewhere, he provides watches at cost for NRL referees who make 300 games. Has also given Johnathan Thurston a replica of the 2004 premiership ring he gifted to Steve Price.
Because its not about money, Zreik insists. Ive been making premiership rings for almost 20 years and always provided them below value.
Ive sponsored NRL teams. Helped with grassroots stuff. And its because I love rugby league. Thats why I want to know why ... why the game wants to be rid of me?
