BY JOHN DAVIDSON
Leigh fullback Gareth O’Brien has detailed his feelings after an emotional golden point Challenge Cup final.
Lachlan Lam’s drop goal was enough to hand the Leopards a historic Wembley win.
O’Brien missed with a field goal attempt at extra-time, but teammate Lam nailed his shot and Leigh were victorious.
“I struck it well. I’d been practicing them all week. It just drifted wide so I was kicking myself a little bit giving them seven tackles but thankfully our boys defended really well.
“And then Brad Schneider had an attempt and it went dead so we got seven tackles.
“I had a second attempt but the pass was a little behind me so I reckon Matt Parcell at marker would have probably got to me if I’d tried.
“Obviously, we’d rehearsed with Lachy to be in that position in case it happened and clutch moments he’s nailed it.
“I’ve been on the wrong end of this result with Cas in 2021 so it was just euphoria. I was the first one into Lachy.
“There was a big pile on and I must have said ‘I love you!’ about a million times and ‘We did it! I’m just so happy. I can’t put it into words.”
After seeing the demise of Toronto and being discarded by Castleford, O’Brien says the join of winning at Wembley makes all his struggles worthwhile.
“Yes. Sport is full of ups and downs. I’ve been in Million Pound Games on the right end and wrong end of them.
“Challenge Cup finals right and wrong end of them, too. It’s just sport. It’s a rollercoaster but the friendships you make and brothers makes it all worthwhile.”
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