Rugby League: Keiron Cunningham set sights on finals record

Aug 24 2007 by Ian Laybourn, Liverpool Daily Post

ST HELENS captain Keiron Cunningham has set his sights on beating Shaun Edwards’ record for most Challenge Cup final appearances – even if that means playing for another five years.

The 30-year-old hooker, Saints’ only survivor from their last Wembley triumph in 1997, will lead his side against Catalans Dragons in Saturday’s eagerly-awaited return to the national stadium.

It will be Cunningham’s seventh Challenge Cup final, taking him to within four of matching the record of Edwards, who made 10 appearances for Wigan and one for London Broncos.

“I didn’t realise that,” revealed Cunningham. “It’s something I’d like to break. That would be good.

“Shaun is an amazing player, one of the most decorated players in the game and to be anywhere near him is an honour.”

Cunningham, who recently signed a new 12-month contract, is the first St Helens player to lead his home-town team in a Challenge Cup final since Chris Arkwright in 1987.

He was recently named as the greatest ever Super League player by the Rugby League World magazine and admits he has lost none of his enthusiasm for the game.

Saints are appearing in their ninth final in the last nine years, having won four Grand Finals, and Cunningham, who has been at the heart of their unprecedented achievements, admits that success breeds success.

“You could play in finals forever, I think that is what keeps you going,” he said.

“Playing in such a successful club motivates you even more because you’re expected to make finals. And, when you do, it gives you that buzz that you need to lift you for another few weeks.

“Everybody has been buzzing this week, they’ve been flying around the gym like a bunch of kids really, chattering away. It’s good to see the excitement amongst the players.”

Cunningham was chosen by coach Daniel Anderson to lead the team in the absence of Paul Sculthorpe and ahead of official vice-captain Sean Long and, as the elder statesman of the side, will be passing on the benefits of his considerable experience.

But the former Great Britain international is full of admiration for the club’s new breed of players, with James Roby, Jon Wilkin and James Graham already winning Test caps despite their tender years.

“Obviously I’ll be having a chat, as I do before every game,” he said. “I think I’m lucky in that we’ve had success and the young lads are able to carry on the baton for us.

“They have played in so many big games and in so many finals, it’s like old hat for them.”

Although hot favourites, Cunningham insists there will be no complacency ahead of tomorrow’s game, especially after being ’nilled’ for the first time in three years by the Catalans in Perpignan a fortnight ago.

“I don’t think it matters who are the favourites in a Challenge Cup final,” he said. “You’ve got to prepare well, whether you’re playing the bottom of league or the top of league. It’s been shown in the past that teams raise their games.”