Cunningham to defy injury

Saints skipper set to play at Old Trafford despite cracked hand

Last updated: 5th October 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Cunningham to defy injury

Cunningham: Tough hombre

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St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham will definitely start Saturday's Grand Final at Old Trafford despite being sent for scans on a hand injury.

The talismanic hooker took part in the 14-10 semi-final victory over Wigan after having pain-killing injections to help combat a hairline fracture.

And he will undergo a similar process this weekend regardless of what the scans may reveal, according to Saints coach Mick Potter.

"Keiron is having a scan today but he'll play regardless of what the scan says," he said on Monday.

"It keeps disrupting him a little, so he's getting it seen to just to be diligent.

"He'll be offered medical advice - and whether he takes it up or not, that's Keiron. He's a pretty determined character."

Long-serving full-back Paul Wellens stood in for Cunningham at Monday's press conference but is happy to welcome back the club's iconic captain for the big match.

"Come Saturday, Keiron will be back on board and will lead the team out," Wellens confirmed. "I'll be glad to follow him out. He's a fantastic player and a fantastic servant for the club."

Saints won the title in 2006 but have lost to the Rhinos in each of the last two years, and Wellens admits last year's defeat still hurts.

"Obviously when you finish top, you come into the Grand Final more often than not carrying the favourites tag with you - but at the end of the day, it's down to performance," he said.

"In the last couple of years we've not managed to perform well enough to win.

"Obviously that sticks in the mind of a few of the players and it's something we've had to think about nearly every day since."

Cunningham's appearance will mean Saints are poised to be at full strength with centre Matt Gidley (groin) and prop Tony Puletua (shoulder) also likely to defy injuries.