KEVIN BROWN will look to tomorrow’s Grand Final to help inspire the Giants to Super League success in 2012.
Leeds Rhinos and St Helens will line up in the showpiece event at Old Trafford (6.00) for a final few had predicted.
Instead, minor champions Warrington and second-placed Wigan were the red-hot favourites to do battle at the Theatre of Dreams.
And Giants captain Brown believes this shows almost anything can be achieved if you keep believing.
“Halfway through the season no-one would have believed these two would reach the final,” said Brown.
“But they kept on battling away and have now been rewarded for their efforts by another appearance at Old Trafford.
“They showed what can be achieved if you continue to work hard and have confidence in each other.
“Fortunately, I know this will be the case with us when we get back for the start of pre-season.
“After letting ourselves down towards the end of last season, we’re even more determined to work hard and get the right results next year, just like Leeds and Saints have done this.”
And Brown also feels tomorrow’s final could be a classic.
“Both sides are in good shape and full of confidence,” he added.
“This should make for a cracking encounter.”
Who does Kevin think will win and what will the key confrontations be?
Turn to page 2 to find out
Brown accepts the outcome is almost impossible to predict, with both sides having hit their best form at just the right time,
But the inspirational Huddersfield half-back feels the conditions on the day could have a massive influence.
“It’s become a bit of a running joke that there’s going to be torrential rain when it’s Grand Final day,” said Brown, pictured.
“And in recent years that’s played right into Leeds’ hands. They seem to be able to handle the wet conditions far better.
“So I’m sure Leeds would like it to rain and Saints will be praying for a dry day. In a game that’s so close to call, this really could make all the difference in the world.”
Brown, however, also feels several key individual battles could prove crucial to the final outcome, and here’s what he thinks.
Main Men
Saints: James Roby
The Saints hooker must have been close to being named Man of Steel. His work rate for the full 80 minutes is phenomenal.
Leeds: Danny Buderus
Leeds’ No9 may be different in style to Roby, but he is just as relentless and vitally important to his side’s success.
Hard Men
Saints: James Graham
Jammer never fails to lead from the front and will be more determined than ever to mark his last game in England with a win.
Leeds: Jamie Peacock
JP has been there and done it all, and Leeds will be looking to him for inspiration when the going gets tough.
The X Factor
Saints: Jonny Lomax
HE has emerged as one of the best young half-backs in the game, with his vast array of skills so often giving Saints the edge.
Leeds: Rob Burrow
IF the little fella can provide the right spark as part of the magic triangle with Maguire and Webb Leeds could do it.