You are in > manchester.com  > News > Cunningham wary as Saints eye treble

Rugby League

Cunningham wary as Saints eye treble

13/10/2007

St Helens captain Kieron Cunningham has told his team-mates not to be distracted by the possibility of making history as they prepare for their Grand Final clash with Leeds at Old Trafford this evening.

Victory would ensure the Saints clinch a second successive treble of Challenge Cup, League Leaders' Shield and Premiership, but they face a titanic battle against their nearest rivals before they can claim the unique achievement.

As well as finishing just a point behind St Helens in the Premiership regular season, Leeds narrowly lost 10-8 to the same opposition in the qualifying semi-final after two victories for the Yorkshire side in the regular season.

"You can't really look too far ahead of yourself. You end up coming unstuck a few times if you do that. We are playing against a very talented side as well," Cunningham said.

"Leeds ran us very close. And in their minds they feel they should have won the game and in our minds we feel like we won the game deservedly. They have hit some very good form at the right time. They played brilliant against Wigan."

Leeds have been given extra motivation for the clash with coach Tony Smith taking his leave of the club for the Great Britain job at the end of the match.

Skipper Kevin Sinfield believes that a win in the season's showpiece would secure Smith's own legacy at Headingley.

"I'm sure he'll go down as one of Leeds' great coaches and if we can win it on Saturday he'll be the greatest ever. No doubt… It would be good to send him out on top," he said.