After missing out last year, it would have taken more than a broken wrist to stop Nick Scruton appearing in Saturday's Grand Final.
Leeds forward battles on despite fractured bone.
After missing out last year through injury, it would have taken more than a broken wrist to deny Nick Scruton an appearance in this year's Grand Final.
Pumped up on painkillers, the Leeds forward brushed aside a fractured scaphoid to help the Rhinos defend the Super League title for the first time in their history.
Leeds, who beat Challenge Cup holders St Helens in a pulsating 16-24 victory at Old Trafford on Saturday, also became the first club to win the Grand Final and the World Club Challenge in the same season.
And Scruton who suffered the break during Leeds' 18-14 win over Wigan in the final eliminator a week ago was determined not to miss out on the first major final of his career.
"It was Nick's decision in the end to play," Leeds spokesman Phil Daly said of the 23-year-old, who is set to join Bradford on a three year deal.
"He decided to have a painkilling injection in his wrist. He couldn't grip the trophy last night after the match.
"If it had happened in the season, he wouldn't have played but it was a Grand Final. It will need pinning eventually."
