Grand Final Highlights Rugby League: Super League Highlights

I do love a boot room. In here, you will find the very last piece of

the Rugby League jigsaw, this the final major trophy of the domestic

season. It is the Super League Grand Final trophy and fighting it

out - Leeds Rhinos and Warrington This is home territory. It is like

their own bedroom for the Leeds Rhinos' players. Jamie Peacock, the

number 10 on his back, this is his tenth Grand Final.

Danny McGuire is back. For Kevin Sinfield, he has never been in

better form. He was man of the match in the semifinal.

For Warrington Wolves, this is a first. It is their first Super

League Grand Final. You have to go back to 1955 to find the last time

that Warrington won the league. Another first - it is the first

time the same two sides have contested the Super League Grand

Final and the Challenge Cup final # Do you remember the first time?

# I can't remember the worst time. Three wins in four years! It is

such an impressive return for the Warrington Wolves.

That's Kevin Sinfield going in. You could say the Super League trophy

belongs to Leeds. They have been so successful. Warrington own the

Challenge Cup at the moment. Let's look at where they qualified from

in the Super League table. Warrington taking second spot

behind Wigan. If they are successful at Old Trafford, they

will be the first team since St Helens in win both trophies in the

same season. For Leeds, it is the second time they have made the

play-off finals. Their campaign has been punishing.

Perfect conditions for rugby league. Great conditions here at Old

Trafford for a bit of pre-match entertainment as well. This sport

doing so much to make sure that families can come in and enjoy the

whole evening. Brian Noble and Jonathan Davies have been involved

in the sport for a long time. Let's talk about the two semifinals. I

know you watched the Warrington v St Helens match? Yes, Warrington

are very nervous when it comes to Super League play-offs. Losing to

St Helens in the first play-off game was good for them. They looked

relaxed and confident. In the second half, they just really

turned up, picked the tempo up. Basically, they blew Saints away. I

think it's been significant because Leeds have been nervous in the

Challenge Cup final and Warrington in the Super League. Because that

defeat, I think now Warrington are ready. With Warrington, Brian, it's

been a case of pushing the one step further. They have been able to win

the Challenge Cup final and they have not got through to the play-

off final? That element of anxiety that Jonathan was talking about has

disappeared. The challenge was to get there. I think they will be

relaxed this afternoon. They will be flamboyant. They will be

expansive. They will go for it. Whether that will get them over the

line is another question. They are playing a champion team. Leeds -

you have to have total admiration for Leeds. This year, going to

Catalan and winning and Wigan and winning. Their mental toughness, it

is incredible. The big match players really step up. I do feel

that Warrington on the fringes may be have a little bit too much for

them. Trent Waterhouse will be a problem for them. But, you know,

you cannot write Leeds off in this competition. They know how to win.

You know, it's going to be a classic. How significant is it for

leeds to have Danny McGuire back? He is one of the old guard, if you

like. Hymn, Rob Burrow, Kevin Sinfield and Jamie Peacock have

carried this team for a number of years -- him, Rob Burrow, Kevin

Sinfield and Jamie Peacock have carried this team for a number of

years. They have gone to France, which is a huge game. At some stage,

after you have played the French, it takes it out of you. Then they

go to Wigan, and they are not expected to win. I think it might

be an energy-level too far for them. They have the ability. It is as

much about their younger kids, Hardaker, Watkins, Jones-Bishop on

the wing. It is about how they play today. Their defence has to be

better today because I know that they will attack on the fringes

with Atkins. Hodgson will come in as the extra man and that will be

the key to Leeds winning or losing. It is a packed house here at Old

Trafford. They will both be roaring their teams on. Jonathan will head

up to the commentary box and Brian will stay with me. Let's let you

enjoy the Super League Grand Final. sides seeking one prize. Rugby

league's title is up for grabs here tonight. They might be familiar

foes when it comes to big finals, but they are unfamiliar footsteps

that Warrington are taking this evening. A first Grand Final for

them. Back on the old patch for Leeds. It's a Warrington 17 that

includes Adrian Morley on the bench who played in the first-ever Grand

Final - 14 years ago now. It is the same Warrington St Helens that beat

-- it's the same Warrington 17 that beat St Helens last week in the

semifinal. Jamie Peacock is appearing in his tenth Grand Final.

Our referee is Richard Silverwood. It is, as ever, a spectacular feel

around Old Trafford here tonight. The emotions are raw and they will

get rawer as the night goes on, no a regular visitor to Old Trafford.

The first Grand Final for Warrington. Leeds know their way

around. Total admiration for Leeds when it comes to Super League play-

offs. They know what to do. A tough role as we mentioned, away to

Catalan, then Wigan. They deserve to be here once again. Expect

nothing less than a tough opening few moments here. Both sets of

packs looking to get on top. Jamie Peacock, the absolute veteran of

this occasion. Just about holding on in the end. Delaney is the man

to his feet. Hardaker has the ricochet and he has the luck here.

Leeds get a second set. Unusual for Leeds. Usually see Kevin Sinfield

in that position. Very lucky break for Leeds. It gives them a good

attacking position. There have only been 15 finals and this is

Peacock's tenth. Is an amazing stat. Warrington yet to put hands on ball

with any real meaning. Leeds looking to launch this attack here.

Tackles beginning to run out. Ablett is put down on the fifth.

Here comes McGuire. Carries it in. Back to Sinfield. Puts the step on.

Looks to get it away. Peacock has a look around. He is reminded by the

referee it is the final tackle but there is nothing he can do about

that. Yeah, he will be disappointed. That was the ricochet. They were

lucky, Leeds, to get it. Very unusual, I thought Leeds would have

put the Cross-kick in. What a season Chris Hill has had. A young

man who really has impressed over the last 12 months. Michael

Monaghan on the bench tonight for Warrington. There will be some

swapping and changing in that position. This is good play. It

might be their first meaningful possession. They are working it

well here, Warrington. This will be the final chance in this set. A

tester for the Leeds' right side. Ben Jones-Bishop has lost it. It is

carried towards the line with real determination by Riley. He is going

to be held up. The ball was played at, they lost the ball - watch.

Kevin Sinfield plays on it. It is picked up by Riley. A lot of

tackles. They love to start games quickly, do Warrington. A

particular - here is Richard Myler with the opening try of the game!

Warrington off to a flyer. Leeds had their chances at the other end.

Myler has taken his. Warrington up and running. It's great. This is

the mistake. Just watch - they are all watching the big runners. He

takes it on himself. It is an easy run-in for Richard Myler. Great

at Old Trafford. I dare to suggest it is noisier than ever this year.

Leeds are great supporters. They are accustomed to being here. On

the other side, Warrington, the first time in many, many years.

It's a knock-on. It is a mistake. It is picked up by Ben Jones-Bishop.

There was another knock-on in there as well. It will be Leeds' ball.

That is an advantage. You have the ball. That is an advantage! Trent

Waterhouse is the man who has knocked on. An unlikely customer.

They trail to that Richard Myler treatment. Getting the arm free,

Leeds. They still have a couple of tackles with which to play. Ablett

- looking to isolate the man on the right. Good effort by Briers. Riley

is in - it will be a tap-back on the 20. The referee says no. It's a

drop-out underneath the sticks. I thought he caught that on the full.

I think his elbow must have hit the ground - just watch. He jumped from

the field of play, that's why. Have a look at this. He is in the field

of play when he jumps. Yes. Up he goes. It's a good effort. He

doesn't care where the kick is taken from the restart. He wants to

kill that high kick. Warrington with work to do. Riley having

defused the bomb, but having been held up behind his own line. Leeds

have six tackles to hammer this Sinfield with the ball over the top,

watch where the referee is. I tell you what, I have seen many trys

given like that. Very, very unlucky, Leeds. The Leeds defence is coming

up so quickly. That's what they've got to try to do, to try to force

Briers. Good play, because what happened, the Leeds winger had

dropped back for the kick, so the pass was on, and Lee Briers spotted

it. You can see the pain written across his face, as he went down.

think he should be OK. He is up, coach to bring two clubs to a Grand

Final. He led Leeds here a few years back. Jones-Buchanan, good

effort by him. Burrow up from dummy half again. Sinfield with the kick.

It has been touched on to Ablett! He looks for support, and he has

got it in the shape of Kevin Sinfield! The referee wants to have

another look at this. Was there an offside? He is onside, that's the

first thing. Definitely onside. He has not touched the ball, Ablett

gets it. Great awareness, they must have been a call from this man,

Kevin Sinfield, in the right place at the right time. Try. Well, he

has been performing some heroics. They are having a look at the play-

the-ball, a bit of a fumble, but that's OK, isn't it? That's fine.

This should be a Leeds try. Ablett, looks for support, and here he is,

the man who put the kick up, who's injured. Doesn't touch it, that's

play on, for me. It has got to be a try. Phil Bentham, the video

referee, confirms the try for Leeds for -- for Leeds and for Kevin

Sinfield. Is this going to be another fairy-tale night for Kevin

Sinfield? He loves these moments. It is my job, he will tell you,

when you ask him about big kicks on big occasions. He generally does

the job supremely well, as he has Warrington - Micky Higham has gone

off, and Michael Monaghan has come on, and his first contribution is

to knock on. Clearly not expecting Warrington defender put a bit of a

knee into that tackle. What do you make of that? Well, I did not see

anything. The referee said there was a knee. Absolutely nothing

wrong with that. Kevin Sinfield, as ever, a picture of concentration.

Another two points are added to the Leeds score, and for the first time,

McGuire. He was in turn taken out performance, everybody working

their socks off, and Kevin Sinfield just pulling the strings, live the

ball, abandon thes, live the penalties. -- up and unders. That

was a bit of a high tackle by my Cooper. Yes, not really intentional,

just clumsy. In a game as tight as this, you cannot afford to give

for Ablett, but Briers was there. They are definitely attacking

Briers, making him make the tackles. Also, what it does is, when

Warrington are attacking, hopefully, Lee Briers will be tired. It is a

very decent position Leeds find themselves in here. Two tackles to

go. McGuire, out to Ben Jones- Bishop, who has shrugged off two,

and he goes over! Jones-Bishop scores from a seemingly impossible

position! Somehow, he has found his way to the try line for the second

time tonight. And there is trouble for Warrington now. They go across

field again. That is a missed tackle by Riley. The defence was

very marshalled, there was nothing on. That is a one on one. Once he

comes in sight, nobody is stopping him. Sinfield puts it over yet

cannot keep hold of it, so Warrington have the turnover.

will be the first time they have had a good attacking position to

start from. Just overran that one a bit, Ablett. Warrington, with a

decent position to attack from. Ratchford taking them on, and the

whistle blows. They were all offside. The referee has indicated

that they cannot kick for goal, they have to take the tap penalty.

I'm not sure they would have gone for goal anyway. Taken on by

Waterhouse, thought about the offload, but decided against it. It

comes back to Ratchford. That's the first time we have seen Hodgson.

Here comes Cooper. Look how quick Kallum Watkins is up. The referee

says there was a Leeds hand, so it is another set of six! Only 10

metres away! Aquilani takes it forward. Leeds hanging on. The

first real test. Briers with the pass over the top, what a pass from

Lee Briers! It was a magnificent pass back, and he has floated it to

Absolut perfection. And Warrington are back in the contest. That was

the knock-on, leading to the second set of six. The ability and a

vision of that man Lee Briers, throwing a magnificent pass. What a

ball that is. Crucial time to score for Warrington. Power Hodgson

strikes it well enough, and Warrington are back within two

points. Kevin Sinfield drills it downfield. Adrian Morley, what a

collision that was! This will be a penalty for Warrington. He gets up

and gets on with it as if it was nothing. Astonishing. This is a big

minute coming up, very big, the last minute, because Warrington

will have one more opportunity of first half. It comes back to Myler.

Cooper putting his foot down! He cannot go all the way. Briers with

a little kick, and, oh, the referee has given a penalty. Kick it, you

have got to kick it, take the two points. Great refereeing. It all

came from this moment. What B-Team -- what an effort from Adrian

Morley. And now, they have the chance to level things up. Terrific

effort from Hodgson. It brings to an end what has been a fabulous

first half. Bashing it forward Sinfield puts it high. Oh, he was

caught late by Michael Monaghan. Meanwhile, at the other end, Joel

Monaghan has caught it. But Kevin Sinfield has stayed down. It was a

clash of heads. Did he lead with the head? Benefit of the doubt, I

would say, that was accidental. sure Michael Monaghan will be as

concerned as anybody else. Everybody will be happy to see that

Kevin Sinfield is on his feet. Whether he is 100% after that,

there must be some doubt. People have been saying we need to end the

diving in football. Kevin Sinfield gets a full head butt in the face,

and now he is up on his feet. was Myler, trying to exploit some

hesitation in the Leeds defence. That was a crucial intervention by

to do it the hardest way of all. Warrington having finished second,

but miscueing in the first week against St Helens. A first-ever

Grand Final for Warrington. They are learning quite what an

experience it can be. Here is Hodgson. Great chase again. Leeds

looking to pin Warrington back here the moment, having taken that hit

to the jaw. He be all right. He is over it now. -- he'll be all right.

picked up by Trent Waterhouse. No foul play the referee says. That is

a great tackle. The intention is there to do it. Looked like Briers

had been caught, but the referee says play on. Myler looked to trick

his way through. Hodgson goes left and it will be - Ryan Atkins looks

as though he was going to be carried out of play, but somehow he

has scored an astonishing try. Crucial steal, just watch him. Goes

in. That's a high tackle! Penalty. The try shouldn't have been allowed.

Knocks it back. But this is the finish. Power. Goes over the two

youngsters - try! The Warrington supporters are beginning to believe.

That try has given them the lead again. Hodgson looking to add the

two - he puts it wide and short. Warrington lead 18-14.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

Paul Woods taking a well-earned do here. That's the high tackle on

So a penalty here for Leeds. Another set for them to have a go.

You would rather fancy them making a breakthrough in this set of six.

Here comes Ablett. They go Ablett, Briers. That's what they do.

Warrington hold out for one. Still five to go. He is fresh on, Kylie

Leuluai. Four tackles to go. A short pass and Carl Ablett pushing

his head between the defenders. The arms went with him. The try is

scored! Leeds are back level again. It was coming. It was coming.

we are. There's the high tackle earlier on. Again, the penalty.

They kept their patience. They kept their composure. More importantly,

they kept their game plan. Ablett, Briers, Ablett, Briers. Eventually,

the big man just scores and Leeds are level once again. They keep on

coming, keep on coming and they know - it is not the strongest part

of Briers' game. Kevin Sinfield to give Leeds the lead again tonight.

His kicking has been perfect so far and it remains that way. Leeds are

back in front - 20-18. Again, honour at the Man of Steel Awards

this week. He is a big rugby league fan. He claims this is the toughest

sport of them all. I think what we are seeing tonight is the perfect

example of why it deserves that Myler inside for Trent Waterhouse.

Dropped by Hodgson. There was a touch by a Leeds player on the way

through. It will be Warrington's head and feet. Or is it? The

referee is referring this to the video referee.

REFEREE: I think it's touched by Leeds.

It is touched by Leeds. Did he play at it? Knock on. A big call that is.

Delaney getting a touch. It's Warrington head and feed. Very

Trying to make their presence felt inside their opponent's half here.

another set of six. How big is this moment? Here comes Myler. Trent

Waterhouse carries it in. He's knocked on. Oh! Trent Waterhouse

knocks on and lets Leeds off the hook. Tony Smith, the Warrington

coach, can hardly believe it. tackle from Kylie Leuluai. He has

made an impact since coming on. there a hand in there? Yes, you

have to try and control the ball. You have to make the tackle.

another night, that might have been a penalty for Warrington. On this

night, it's head and feed to Leeds. So many talking points from this

game tonight. It's impossible to put the whole thing down to that

one moment. It might come down to one moment, Dave. One mistake, or

tonight. Now it is the six. Sinfield drills it down field.

Makes Joel Monaghan turn and work and run and get there and then when

he turns around, a big dropping of the heart in the knowledge he is

going to get hit. He gets it away to Hodgson. Hodgson skips on

it's been lost by Harrison. It's on. Leeds have an opportunity to take

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 44 seconds

Leeds fans believe that this is to possibly win it. Brian McDermott

might a Grand Final-winning coach again. There's time for a comeback,

but is there heart for a comeback after that try by Ryan Hall?

can put this down to defensive effort of Leeds again. Again, it

comes from a mistake. Harrison knocks the ball on. Just watch -

they keep the ball alive. They go down the right and then it's on,

they know - they are looking for Briers once again. The long, long

pass, two on two, and I feel Monaghan is ball-watching. Just

watch. He is ball-watching. Ryan Hall goes on the outside. Was he

looking after Briers? He has to look after his own man. Kevin

Sinfield with the kick that could nail it. A big, big kick. It will

be an eight-point game if he puts this over. Why I ever pose the

question if - of course he nails it! Leeds lead 26-18. It will be a

big call now for Warrington, especially against this magnificent

Leeds defence. Warrington have gone short. They have to take the risk

now. That gamble has come off. They have it. Seven minutes left to play.

They have to score twice here. Warrington have to find their way

to that try line on two more occasions. Boy, is this going to be

done, son." Six to go. They have to keep their composure. They have to

how close they are. Monaghan throws it out. A touch from a Leeds hand,

a knock on by Ryan Hall. It will be Warrington... Ratchford knocked it

on first. You are right. Ratchford trying to push it on. Watch. He

Hall reading the play exceptionally written about this Leeds side over

the last couple of years. JONATHAN DAVIES: Magnificent, is

one of those things. And their fans are in terrific voice now. They

know how to serenade winners, though as Leeds supporters, because

they have had plenty of chances to do it over the last few years. The

signs are, it is going to be just when his side needed it the

most. A big kick by a big player. What a moment that is. It is a

fantastic kick. He takes it upon himself. Sinfield has done all of

the big kicks all night, but that was brilliant. The fans are

celebrating that as if it was a would not put it past them to score

another one. Old Trafford echoes to the chant of Leeds Rhinos. If they

do not scorer try, Sinfield will drop a goal, just to keep the

scoreboard ticking over. Held up, five yards out. McGuire... Not this

So, there is one more play. McGuire put the kick over the top. But it

is not the best. Warrington can get on with it. But the Leeds defence

is set. There are less than three minutes to go. He comes at King's.

-- here comes Atkins. Warrington He could not keep it alive. Tony

Smith pointing down field. Oh, there is nobody there! Hodgson

looking for the pass outside, but it flies out of play. It is Leeds'

confirmed as the man of the match. Head and shoulders above anyone

else on the field. Kevin Sinfield has been absolutely magnificent.

Not only in this game, but in all the play-off matches, he has been

referee says forward pass. I think that Warrington know that the game

is up. The defensive effort from Leeds has been amazing as well,

restricting Warrington, cancelling out any threat out wide on either

side. It has been great defence from Leeds. It is a wall of noise

at the moment from the Leeds supporters. That will be the last

act. Micky Higham has had his moments in a marvellous career, but

this is not going to be one of them. It is going to be Leeds' night

tonight. The clock has not stopped. They are going to let the time take

on. Into the final 10 seconds... What a night, Jonathan Davies.

Absolutely magnificent. Leeds Rhinos, what an end of season. For

me, that is their best Grand Final result. Kevin Sinfield is the man

who wins the man-of-the-match award. It is Leeds' year again. And what

an impressive, magnificent performance they have put in

tonight against a Warrington side that were hungry for it, make no

mistake, but Kevin Sinfield has once again led by example. Leeds,

It is another Grand Final victory for Leeds, and once again, we need

to talk about Kevin. An extraordinary performer, at the

heart of an extraordinary team. The Leeds Rhinos have just written

another chapter of rugby league history. I can tell you this now,

of all the sportsmen I have ever seen, this guy is the most

impressive. They tried to knock you out, they tried to kick you, you

got up and kept going, that was immense. It was a big team effort.

Nobody would have thought it one month ago, where we were. We were

absolutely battered on this field. To keep ourselves going, it is an

incredible effort. You wanted to go over to thank the fans, and also

your coach, it was such an emotional moment. Yes, we have been

through it a bit this year once again. I think that is our 37th

game in total. We have had some ups and downs, we have had some good

hidings, but all these people, the whole club, the staff, the office

staff, the text messages I got last week off them, it shows the kind of

people we have got at the club. It is not just the players. We needed

to create history again. People said, you finished fifth last year,

can you do it again? We went through a bit last year, creating

history, but I said, we need to create more history. What we have

just done, in the play-offs, the journey that we have been on,

including beating an outstanding team in Warrington here, it has

been really tough. I feel really lucky man to be working with such a

good group of people. It was tougher than last year, travelling

to the Catalans was a big factor. This is a special bunch of lads.

Warrington are a quality side, we have not beaten them in a final

before. They have been a monkey on how backs. It was great to beat

them, coming from behind as well. One thing we have got is that

belief in this team. We are like a big family, we all believe in each

other. This is why you coach, this is why you go through it all, for

moments like this. We have a personal goals. I will be pinching

myself for some time. I thought it was a really good, tough game of

rugby league. At stages, it could have gone either way. It was not to

be for us tonight. There is no place for losers. It is a great

achievement, making the Grand Final. Warrington has never done that. I

think it has been a successful year, although very disappointing tonight.

Leeds have shown again how to win the Grand Final. The trophy is

lifted for the fifth time in six years by Leeds Rhinos. When they

come here to Old Trafford, they seem unbeatable. Brian Noble and

Jonathan Davies watched it with me. The first question, and I do not

mean this to sound negative, but why can't they do this at Wembley

in the Challenge Cup Final? I am sure they will ask that question

when they have had a few beers tonight. But that has been an

amazing effort from Leeds. This is probably their best win in my mind,

for the way they have gone about it, going to France, going to Wigan,

really under the radar, in everybody's mind. It was a fabulous

effort. An amazing game from Kevin Sinfield. I got quite emotional,

but I admire him so much. I just thought tonight he was head and

shoulders above every other player on the field. Defensively, he

controlled the kicks, he nailed every kick, he scored the try, he

was injured, his legs, his head, he was just immense. As Brian said,

going away to the Catalans, going away to begin, and then doing this.

What they did without the ball was incredible. Warrington, offensively,

are very dangerous, and they have cut teams to ribbons. They have

done it to Leeds a couple of times this year. They have learned from

it. The defensive line speed was incredible, we never saw Hodgson

coming into the line, we never saw them getting any width. They were

absolutely magnificent. I agree with Brian, it is the best Grand

Final win of the Super League era. And arguably in, one of the best

Grand Final matches. People will have been watching, thinking, that

was something special. It was everything you would want,

extraordinary skill, extraordinary talent, and the desire that Leeds

showed. And let's not forget Warrington, who played their part

as well. It was redoubtable defence from Leeds. When they had their

opportunities, they took them. They did not do anything with the ball

in their own half, they just kicked and kicked. A new Sinfield would be

there. And then, when they had the chances, they took them. They were

brilliant. If there was ever going to be a hard-luck story, Leeds

might have been aggrieved about that try which was not given.

Nothing for Warrington, was there? Not really. They will assess this

game and probably think they have not played as well as they have all

year in the big games. But Leeds did not let them play. Jonathan

mentioned the airline's fleet, and that comes from their desire. --

their line speed. All the things you find about rugby league, the

effort, the scale, they took their opportunities. Warrington, a couple

of fumbles, a couple of penalties against them at the wrong time.

Amazing effort. You could just show clips of Sinfield into today's

match, and it epitomises everything Leeds stood for tonight. They did

not want to relinquish their title. They came in as clear underdogs,

but they deserve it, they were fantastic. The focus now switches

to international rugby league on to international rugby league on

the BBC. We will be covering the autumn internationals, starting on

Saturday 20th October, with coverage of France against Wales