Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Daniel Tomlinson

St Helens' Curtis Sironen admits nerves got the better of him at Old Trafford

St Helens back rower Curtis Sironen admitted that he was sick in the changing rooms before the Super League Grand Final against Leeds Rhinos this Saturday night.

The Saints ran out 24-12 winners to clinch their fourth successive title, with Sironen playing in his first Grand Final after arriving in England this season from NRL club Manly Sea Eagles.

He was that nervous pre-match that he threw up. This was his first taste of a Grand Final.

Read more: St Helens' Jonny Lomax crowned Harry Sunderland winner following sublime display over Leeds Rhinos

"It's still very surreal," Sironen told Sky Sports post-match. "I was actually so nervous I was vomiting in the sheds before. I've never vomited before a game. I was a bit rattled.

"This atmosphere is something so different. Our fans have been unreal all year.

"Coming over from Australia, to see how much passion and how proud they are of their club. I can't believe it. I'm over the moon. I can't wait to go and celebrate."

Sironen is the son of Balmain Tigers legend Paul Sironen, who played a 250-game career for the Sydney based club.
Watching from Australia, Sironen spoke about his family as the emotions tied in, with the 29-year-old moving to St Helens on his own when he came over for pre-season.

"I'm very proud of Dad - unfortunately my family couldn't get over here," Sironen added. "It's my first Grand Final and it was everything I expected.

"It was a hard game. I'm just over the moon, so relieved, and so proud to be part of this team.

"It's just all worth it, the sacrifice of moving over by myself and away from home. I've made family and friends here forever."

Read next

St Helens attain immortality as fourth straight win cements their greatness

Leeds Rhinos' Rhyse Martin sets new Super League record for consecutive goals

How Matty Lees made Grand Final history after opening try

Grand Final team news as Leeds Rhinos and St Helens name injury doubts in side

Super League Grand Final live updates: St Helens and Leeds Rhinos battle it out to be crowned Grand Final kings

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.