Sean Long-ing for victory

Long: Emotional farewell

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Sean Long is hoping to end his St Helens career with a win when they face Leeds in Saturday's Super League Grand Final.

The game at Old Trafford will mark the end of Long's 12-year spell at Knowsley Road before he joins top-flight rivals Hull FC.

The 33-year-old has helped Saints to four Super League titles, five Challenge Cups and two World Club Challenge trophies, and the former Great Britain star admitted it will be hard to leave.

"Last weekend against Wigan I knew it could have been my last game and it was emotional with everyone giving me a hug on the field and the reality has now kicked in that I am leaving St Helens," he said.

"I'd hopefully like to finish on a high with Saints and then crack on with Hull."

Saints have met Leeds in the Grand Final for the past two years, with the Rhinos lifting the trophy on both occasions, but Long believes this year they could get the better of their rivals.

Quality

"I think we're both quality sides, it's just who performs on the night and who plays the conditions," he said.

"I prefer to be the underdog to be honest because there's a lot of pressure on you and Leeds are favourites - which they duly are don't get me wrong - but I'd hope we can play our normal game.

"We have to stop them, they are a quality side, they showed that against Catalans (in the semi-final) with three tries in six minutes.

"We'll go out there to contain them but hopefully play some good entertaining rugby."

Long has also amassed a number of personal accolades during his time with Saints- including the coveted Lance Todd Trophy a record three times- and the scrum-half knows another success would be the perfect ending.

"I'd like to finish off on a high but nothing gets handed on a plate to you that you don't deserve," he added.

"You have to work for everything you get and this is the same."