GIANTS hero Shaun Lunt played through emotional agony as the Giants made history at Leeds.

For it can now be revealed that he missed his nan’s funeral to play.

And it came at the end of a week after his grandad was also taken ill, probably due to the trauma of losing his wife.

Shaun scored two tries in the Giants’ 38-6 thrashing of Leeds Rhinos on Friday night which ended a 50-year jinx in dramatic style.

The Giants had not beaten Leeds on the Rhinos’ home turf since 1950 – and made it a double celebration by returning to the top of the Super League table.

But for Shaun – who also had his 24th birthday on Friday – it was very much a bittersweet occasion.

His nan, Kitty Lunt, died in Liverpool at the age of 72.

In the aftermath of her death her husband, Peter, was taken ill and Shaun had been travelling over to Liverpool after training most days to visit his nan before her death and also to be with the family.

He said: “My grandad had a stroke and that led to a few seizures so he ended up in hospital. He did recover in time to be allowed out to be at my nan’s funeral.’’

The funeral was held in the Isle Of Man on Friday, but Shaun decided to honour her by playing for the Giants and giving his all in her memory.

“She would have wanted me to play,’’ said Shaun. “She has seen me play a few times and was at the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley in 2009. She would have wanted me to keep cracking on and to play.’’

The Giants lost to Warrington Wolves in the 2009 final.

Shaun added: “She was my nan and she was always there for me.

“Last week was a very difficult one for me personally but I’m so glad, especially for the fans, that we got that win at Leeds.

“It means so much to our supporters. There will be some who have travelled across to Leeds over the decades to support us, yet come away disappointed time after time.

“It’s just great that we’ve broken that 50-year record at last.’’