Andy Lynch on his Grand Final disappointments

WHILE so many people hoped for his perfect send-off, retiring Andy Lynch knew well in advance he would never play in last season's Grand Final.
Top career: Tigers Andy Lynch takes the ball forward in his 500th game . Picture: Matthew MerrickTop career: Tigers Andy Lynch takes the ball forward in his 500th game . Picture: Matthew Merrick
Top career: Tigers Andy Lynch takes the ball forward in his 500th game . Picture: Matthew Merrick

The Castleford Tigers prop had featured just once in the previous two months when he played in the 48-16 Super 8s loss to Hull FC last September.

Admittedly, that solitary match was when Daryl Powell’s side beat Wakefield Trinity at Wheldon Road to lift the League Leaders’ Shield for the first time in their history.

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But he was not included in the semi-final or the 24-6 Old Trafford loss to Leeds Rhinos meaning the 37-year-old never did get to feature in a Grand Final, having also cruelly been left out for Bradford Bulls’ win against Leeds in 2005.

Lynch said: “I knew when I played my last game. No-one ever told me it was (Hull) but I didn’t need anyone to. I knew myself and I accepted that.

“There’s no room for sentiment. Powelly had to pick his best 17.

“I’d known I had to come back from those injuries as they did knock me back – my wrist and ankle were both massive ops – and at that age it was always going to be hard .

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“But I just had to prove I could. I did play 21 games so it was still not bad for a 37-year-old. It probably made it easier (being left out) as I knew it was my last year. And I supported them all the way. I didn’t go sulk. I did what I could to help. My routine never changed.”