HUDDERSFIELD'S Paul Reilly was today the toast of English rugby league after his stunning man-of-the-match performance helped sink Ireland 36-12 in the European Nations Cup final at Warrington yesterday.

The 28-year-old former Moldgreen junior scored his side's opening two tries and went on to be England's most potent attacking weapon.

There was also a strong display from Giants teammate Eorl Crabtree during two spells, but fellow Huddersfield man Stuart Jones was 18th man.

Jones' absence was an obvious disappointment, but the impact made by full-back Reilly softened the blow.

"I'm over the moon. Moments in the game surely don't come better than this," said the Huddersfield-born star.

"Just a few weeks ago I thought my chance to represent my country had gone because of my age.

"But now I'm celebrating picking up the man-of-the-match award for England in the European Nations Cup final. It's almost unbelievable.

"I just hope this also has a positive knock-on effect for the Giants as we look towards next season.

"The fact we had three players in this England squad and I collected the man-of-the-match award in the final surely proves we must be doing something right at the club."