Robinson - rose to occasion. (Getty Images)

By Ian Laybourn, PA Sport

Jason 'Billy Whizz' Robinson is named after a cartoon character but in truth he is a larger-than-life personality who has proved time and again that he is the man for the big occasion.

The player whose individual brilliance determined the outcome of the first-ever Super League Grand Final came good on the biggest stage of all to earn himself a place in sporting history.

The years may be starting to tell on the former league legend and his Will o' the Wisp runs have long since lost that element of surprise, but there is still nevertheless a buzz of anticipation once the ball is in his hands.

While the free-scoring Jonny Wilkinson inevitably remains the focus of attention, every now and then Robinson will pop up to provide a telling reminder of the dazzling skills which first caught the attention of an excited Clive Woodward.

He did it with a breathtaking run out of defence to create England's only try of the quarter-final and produced a trademark finish to slide over for their only touchdown of the gripping final to make up for his part in Australia's score.

From time to time the 5ft 7in Robinson is caught out under the high ball but there is nothing wrong with his defensive technique, demonstrated with his late, trysaving tackle on first-half tryscorer Lote Tuqiri.

In a match in which there was precious little to choose between the teams, Robinson's contributions were invaluable.

Yet there was a time when the diminutive winger wondered whether he would ever get to grips with a game he knew only as 'kick and clap' as he plied his trade so successfully in the 13-man code.

It was the search for a new challenge that prompted the Wigan and Great Britain star to switch codes three years ago and he spent hours learning his new trade.

A proud father of three and born-again Christian, his dedication to the sport is matched only by a commitment to his religion and family and that dedication bore fruit in Sydney.

His part in the glorious triumph will have made up for the disappointment of a World Cup final defeat earlier in his career.

Robinson was in the England team that reached the 1995 Centenary Rugby League World Cup final under Phil Larder only to suffer a 16-8 defeat by the Australians at Wembley.

Revenge will have been the last thing on his mind but Saturday's memorable success will certainly erase the painful memories and confirm his reputation as a winner.