TWENTY seconds before David Peachey was to be farewelled from the football field in a blaze of glory, the honour was snatched away as Parramatta produced a last-gasp grand final victory.

Eels back-rower Weller Hauraki barged over to seal a stunning win after North Sydney's Joey Williams had kicked a field goal three minutes from time.

"I am heartbroken inside," Peachey admitted after the last match of a 14-year career. "I love this game. I've enjoyed it. I've had my downs, I've had a lot of ups - that's the beauty of this game … it can be so kind but yet so cruel."

Hauraki showed why he has been earmarked as the first-grade replacement for the retired Ian Hindmarsh next year, showing power and poise in the final seconds. After the Eels received a penalty inside the final minute, 30 metres out and 10 metres in from touch, he chose take the tap and back his own ability.

With 17 seconds remaining, the money play was a simple one-off-the-ruck crash from Hauraki. "I was out there for nearly 80 minutes, so I was just doing my best and hopefully it came off," Hauraki said. It did.

As Hauraki's career begins, Peachey's finishes. "To come here on grand final day with a foundation club that is the feeder club to South Sydney is just fantastic," Peachey said.

"Something I've really enjoyed is the fun aspect of the last eight weeks. We've got the little characters in our side at the start of their careers. It's the end of mine today but it's good to see them young kids come through."

Peachey pointed to playing in the State of Origin series as the highlight of his career. "I played from my nan's lawn right through to playing in front of 50,000-60,000 people," he said.

The match started at a frenetic pace, with Yileen Gordon scoring a try in the fifth minute for the Bears before Parramatta quickly hit back through prop Justin Horo. Eels halfback Blake Green threw a cut-out pass to winger Iwi Hauraki, who touched down four minutes before the break to extend the Eels' lead.

Norths came out firing in the second half to take the lead and set up the dramatic finish.

Parramatta 20 (W Hauraki, J Reddy, I Hauraki, J Horo tries, J Williams 2 goals) beat Norths 15 (R Simmonds, T Boston, Y Gordon tries, J Williams 1 goal, 1 field goal).