Now he can't wait for a crack at the Australians.

Senior's performance as he claimed a third grand final winners' ring made him a shoe-in for the England World Cup squad, which his former Leeds Rhinos coach Tony Smith is due to announce tomorrow.

Sitting in the same corner of the dressing room where he changed for last year's final, Senior, 32, was in contemplative mood as he looked forward to what lies ahead Down Under.

Obviously drained by his performance against the Saints – two blockbusting runs by the centre in the closing stages ensuring there was no late comeback from the pre-match odds-on favourites – Senior said:

"I think it was more satisfying this win than last year's because a lot of the press and just about everybody had written us off going into this game.

"Saints had been red hot for the last part of the season but we showed what grit, determination and will to win can do for you. When you really want something that bad anything is possible and we showed it."

Reflecting on the 24-16 victory which came only a fortnight after their qualifying semi-final defeat to Saints, Senior continued: "It was definitely our best performance of the season. Performances have been a bit up and down this year but at the end of the day you are as good as your last game and tonight we showed that we wanted this game and it shows that in a grand final anything can happen."

Rather than take any plaudits for his own performance, which included popping up in the wrong place at the right time as he palmed Kevin Sinfield's long pass out for Ryan Hall to gather, kick ahead and win the race for the touchdown which put the Rhinos ahead for the first time just before the break, Senior said: "I enjoyed it.

"It was a great game to be involved in but there were great performances all over the field. I have got to pay tribute to Lee Smith who filled in at full-back for Brent Webb. Lee had a lot of pressure on his shoulders but he came up with a man of the match performance.

"Then there was my fellow old-timer Jamie Peacock, who was a warhorse again like he has been all season but there were terrific displays throughout the team."

Senior said after last year's 33-6 win over the Saints that he would sacrifice a World Cup campaign if it meant extending his club career as he has a family to think about and support.

But in the aftermath of Saturday's game, he said: "I definitely feel up for the World Cup after that. It doesn't get any better really. I feel like I'm on fire at the moment and I'm playing some really good rugby. I'm enjoying it and if it keeps going like this there is no reason to stop.

"I don't take anything for granted but if selected it will be a great opportunity for myself and for the side that goes over there. I'll do what I do week-in and week-out and if selected I'll put on that shirt with great pride. It's a great opportunity to go out there and win a World Cup for the first time in 30-odd years."

After a final which had 'Made in Britain' stamped through it – Australian Matt Gidley was the only non-English scorer – another Leeds player to cement his place in England coach Smith's thoughts was Danny McGuire.

McGuire, rugby league's equivalent to football's Michael Owen, showed the ultimate predatory instincts by scoring two second-half tries but preferred to lead the clarion call for Lee Smith to also be included in the squad after his man-of-the-match winning performance following his enforced switch from the wing.

"Lee was fantastic tonight because he's come in for Brent Webb, who is the best full-back in Super League and probably the world, and has not taken a backward step," said former East Leeds amateur McGuire of his Drighlington-produced team-mate.

"I don't want to pick the squad for Tony but Lee definitely deserves to be in it and he is a player who is only going to get better. I have always said that full-back is his best position but squads need players like Lee who are adaptable."

On a personal note, McGuire was quietly satisfied to have kept opposite number Leon Pryce, the player he will battle for an England shirt, in the shade for once.

"Leon has been the best stand-off in the league without a doubt this season so it's just nice to get a good game against him and score a couple of tries and put myself forward for England selection. I have been to Australia before and I just want to go out there and do better than we did last time," added the 25-year-old who was third behind Smith and captain Kevin Sinfield in the voting for the Harry Sunderland Trophy.

McGuire also paid tribute to coach Brian McClennan for helping the Rhinos restore their self-belief after that 38-10 defeat to Saints a fortnight earlier.

"It was tough and we were really disappointed but that's 'Bluey's' strength. He's a people's coach and all the lads enjoy playing for him.

"Not many people gave us a chance but, having come through the final eliminator for a second year, that's the way we like to do it and I think that's the way we will do it next year."