Eagles soar as Hunter-Paul bows out

Sheffield beat Leigh 20-10 to book their place in the Co-operative Championship Grand Final as Robbie Hunter-Paul played his final rugby league game.

The Eagles, who finished fourth in the league campaign, are the first side to finish outside the top two to reach the Grand Final.

The Centurions were favourites going into the game, but were completely outplayed by a determined Sheffield outfit, who booked their Grand Final spot thanks to tries from Sam Scott, Vinny Finigan and Quentin Laulu-Tongagae.

Leigh did score through Stuart Donlan and Mick Nanyn, although lacked creativity near the line to turn pressure into points.

The defeat for Leigh also brings the curtain down on one of the game’s most respected players Robbie Hunter-Paul. 

The New Zealander has won every major honour in the game in his 17-year career after spells with Bradford, Huddersfield, Salford and finally Leigh.