Darren Lockyer paid tribute to his teammates after ending his glittering 17-year career on a high as he led Australia to 30-8 victory in Saturday's Four Nations final at Elland Road.
Lockyer was superb in his final game, with his kicking game dissecting the home side's defence with alarming regularity, and then putting the gloss on a career that is certain to see him become a future immortal, with a try in the final minute.
However, the champion five-eighth's subsequent conversion was probably his worst, as he scuffed it to the left despite standing in front of the posts.
"Nice try but shame about the kick," Lockyer said.
"I'd like to thank these guys here for what we've achieved tonight.
"This was a very tough game and to win here is always tough."
The 34-year-old also hailed the England supporters, who gave him a standing ovation after the game, despite creating a partisan atmosphere in a sell-out crowd of more than 34,000.
There were also tries from Sam Thaiday, Jharal Yow Yeh, Johnathan Thurston and Greg Inglis, with Thurston also kicking four goals.
England coach Steve McNamara had no complaints with the result and admitted his side were lucky to be only 8-6 down at halftime after being dominated by the Kangaroos.
Akuila Uate, Chris Lawrence and Yow Yeh all had tries disallowed, but Australia dominated after the hour mark as England's wretched run against the Kangaroos continued.
It's 39 years since the Lions last tasted victory in a series and McNamara admitted his side could have no complaints about the loss.
"We played well in patches, but they were good tonight and the better side won," he said.
"We made some poor errors and, against a side like Australia, you can't do that."
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