St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham admits he could spend much of his final season in Super League fighting for his place.
Saints skipper unlikely to change position in farewell season
St Helens captain Keiron Cunningham admits he could spend much of his final season in Super League fighting for his place.
The 33-year-old hooker has twice postponed his retirement by signing new 12-month contracts, but insists his latest deal will be the last.
The former Great Britain hooker has been a fixture at Knowsley Road since 1994 but will leave the position in good hands with England international James Roby and Scott Moore both challenging for a place in the match-day squad.
"This is definitely my last season," said Cunningham at today's Super League launch in London. "Young Scott has come back and Robes is chomping at the bit.
"They're ready to take over so this is a year for me to help with the transition, give a bit of guidance.
Blessed
"I feel that they are the best nines in the country and will be the best nines in the country for the next few years so Saints are blessed again."
Cunningham is likely to start the season against Hull on Saturday week as hooker and will not be switching positions to accomodate the other two.
"I'm not sure how it's going to work, that's up to the coaching staff," he said. "Obviously they've got to pick on form and I'd like to think I was playing well enough to make them play me.
"I'm a club man and I want what is best for the club but I can't envisage me being anywhere else but nine.
Luxury
"I know Robes can play a few positions. It gives us more options. If we get a few injuries, it might mean all three of us on the field at the same time."
Saints coach Mick Potter insists it will not be a big problem accomodating all three players on match day.
"You probably need two hookers to start with any way and we've got the luxury that Robes and Scott can play other positions," he said.
"It's not a major issue. If you look at a couple of other squads, they have three hookers on the books, it's just that ours are a bit more high profile.
"Scott can play 13, six or seven, Robes can play 11, 12, 13 and maybe fill at six and if you want to spend some time with Robes he could maybe fill in at the outside backs."
