KEIRON Cunningham was understandably gutted following his side’s semi final defeat at Leeds on Friday.
“All year I have been proud of what these boys have done; through all the adversity and injuries we have had they have kept on fighting,” he said. “It’s easy in hindsight but I genuinely believe we were the best side for large parts of the game tonight.
“Kevin Sinfield is a great player and he showed that with the 40:20. That was a massive momentum swing as we had control of the game and I thought we would pull away. We had a really good defensive set and then he did what he did.
“The momentum was with us and we were gaining more control of the game. The halves were dictating things, Jon Wilkin was good and Kyle Amor was the best player on the pitch by far.
“But that’s how things go.
“It never is a good thing when you lose a winger but we have players who can move into the centres and I thought Mark Percival did a great job on the wing. But it meant we lost a sub and I couldn’t rotate Mose Masoe and Alex Walmsley like I would have wanted to.
“We can’t have any complaints though. We have learnt a lot this year but unfortunately we have not finished on the terms we would have liked to.”
He continued: “It was a game worthy of the Old Trafford stage. The system has been brought in to create games like that. It would have been good to be a neutral – it was a great game of rugby.
“I am proud of the players with how they have handled things. We’ve had people playing out of position for me all year, it’s just a shame we couldn’t end on a high. We’ve been the bridesmaid twice this year – let’s be the bride next year.
“It is difficult to win the Challenge Cup, back up and win the Shield and then get into the Final – it is testament to Leeds because they have done the unthinkable. They have a good shot at it now but Wigan are a good side too and it I’m sure it will be another slug fest like tonight.
“All credit to them for doing it – I’m pleased for Brian Mc and the likes of JP, Kylie and Kevin – they are legends of the game.”
