Video: Castleford Tigers' Sene-Lefao excited by Grand Final showdown

WHAT HAS happened previously this season will count for nothing in Saturday's Betfred Super League Grand Final, according to Castleford Tigers' influential forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.

WATCH/READ MORE - Video: Reaching Old Trafford no surprise for Rhinos’ Cuthbertson

Tigers have been the best team all year, finishing 10 points clear in the league table.

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They have beaten this week’s opponents Leeds Rhinos four times and have the league leaders’ shield in their trophy cabinet, but Sene-Lefao insisted: “We’re not looking at that.”

Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.
Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.

He insisted: “It [the league campaign] is all done now. We have enjoyed that time and now we are ready for the big one on Saturday.

“Leeds is a very good team and we have got to play our absolute best to beat them.

“They are in very good form and it is going to be a big challenge for us.”

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Rhinos’ forwards dominated against Hull in last Friday’s semi-final and that is a war Tigers will have to win in two days’ time.

Leeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce RollinsonLeeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce Rollinson
Leeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce Rollinson

“It is always a battle up front when we play Leeds,” Sene-Lefao said.

“We have a lot of respect for their front-rowers, we know they are going to come hard at us and we have got to meet the challenge.

“That’s what makes it exciting – that’s what makes Grand Finals.”

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Castleford's Jesse Sene-Lefao. PIC: Matthew Merrick/rlphotosCastleford's Jesse Sene-Lefao. PIC: Matthew Merrick/rlphotos
Castleford's Jesse Sene-Lefao. PIC: Matthew Merrick/rlphotos
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The 27-year-old Samoan international also reckons Leeds’ backline can damage Tigers if they hit their stride.

Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.
Castleford Tigers forward Jesse Sene-Lefao.

“They can attack from anywhere,” he warned. “They’ve got Kallum Watkins and Danny McGuire is on fire at the moment, so there’s strikepower all over the field.

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“Cuthbo [Adam Cuthbertson] is playing out of his skin, like he’s 21 again. We have got to make sure our game’s tight and we do the little things right, then we’ll see what happens at the weekend.”

Tigers are low on Grand Final experience, but Sene-Lefao, who joined them at the end of last season from Australian side Cronulla Sharks, has had a taste of the big occasion.

He did not play when Sharks won the 2016 NRL title decider, but said: “I have experienced the week of a Grand Final.

“Also when I was at Manly I missed out on the 2013 Grand Final that they lost.

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“There is a difference, I know the winning feeling and the losing one.

Leeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce RollinsonLeeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce Rollinson
Leeds Rhinos dangerman, Adam Cuthbertson. PIC: Bruce Rollinson

“I know how to adapt myself this week and one thing I know for sure is you have to enjoy the week and enjoy the experience.”

The New Zealand-born forward stressed Tigers need to make the most of their Grand Final debut, whatever happens on Saturday evening.

Castleford Tigers’ entire squad visited Old Trafford on Monday.

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And Sene-Lefao said: “A lot of people talk about the stadium and I was excited to see what the place is about.

“It has definitely lived up to expectations – it is a bit like Cas, the changing rooms and the ground! It was good to get down on the field and get a feel for the place. We are excited for this week and embracing everything that comes each and every day.”