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Tim Sheens hailed the 'best performance' of his time in charge of Australia after the Kangaroos routed holders New Zealand 34-2 to lift the Rugby League World Cup.
Billy Slater and Brett Morris both notched a brace of tries at Old Trafford as Sheens' side put on a show worthy of the stadium's Theatre of Dreams moniker.
An NRL-winning coach with Wests Tigers, Sheens has won the Four Nations and now the World Cup with the national side and he was delighted with their dominant display in Manchester.
"This was the best performance of my time (in charge)," he said.
"I'm not going to comment on others. They have been a great side and have grown old together. The seniority in the team really stood up.
"Firsts are a big thing; A first Grand Final, a first World Cup and what do you say? A terrific occasion and atmosphere at the Theatre of Dreams."
Full-back Slater was expected to miss the final with a knee injury suffered against the United States two weeks ago. However, he proved his fitness in emphatic fashion, scoring his team's opening try.
Sheens added: "We had been running him privately but on Wednesday we decided Bill had to get bashed.
"Everyone had a shot at him but Bill came through with no swelling and after all the challengers he has had, remains the premier number one."
