Challenge Cup final reaction - James Donaldson, Konrad Hurrell, Ava Seumanufagai and Kruise Leeming enjoy Leeds Rhinos' Wembley glory

Donaldson was among the substitutes when Rhinos beat Salford Red Devils 17-16 at Wembley, just two months after suffering a fracture in his back in a game against Huddersfield Giants.

His jubilation at the end was in contrast to the despair of five years ago when he was part of the Hull KR team crushed 50-0 by Rhinos on the same pitch. And after not being kept on by the Robins at the end of 2018, he was in danger of dropping out of the game until Rhinos offered him a trial and then a contract.

“My life has always been about proving people wrong,” Donaldson - who has battled back from a series of severe injuries - said.

“I have said many times I will carry on doing that. They can doubt me as much as they want, but I’ll keep coming back.

“I thrive off pressure and people doubting me and I’ll continue to do that for the rest of my career.”

It was Donaldson’s play-the-ball that led to Luke Gale’s winning drop goal. Gale had dummied to kick on the previous play before passing to his former Bradford Bulls colleague.

“I think he just wanted to get a bit wider than the left post,” Donaldson said. “It gave him a bit more space and got him on his right foot.

“He knew what he was doing, he is a good mate of mine and he always says ‘don’t worry, I’ll make sure of it’ and he did that.

“He made us all proud and the fans proud.”

The final was played behind closed doors, but Donaldson said: “The fans were there in spirit and we felt them all along the way.

“It’s good to bring the Cup home for them.”

Marquee centre Konrad Hurrell is a Cup winner four months after the death of his biggest fan, his mother Fatafehi.

The Tongan international said: “It was a tough game and a tight one.

“All we were doing [in the final few minutes] was listening to Galey, making sure we complete our sets.

“Salford pushed us all the way for the whole 80, but I am blessed to be part of this team.

“They have had a tough couple of years, but this year we have turned it around, we trust in each other and I think that’s what got us through.

“I moved here last year and we struggled last year, but every club I go to I just try to give it my all.

“I am slowly getting back to my form now and I’m just glad to be back to where the team were before - and it is good to get the win for Rob Burrow. As a club we did it for Rob.”

Import Ava Seumanufagai admitted to a “serious dose of anxiety” in the final’s closing moments.

He said: “My heart was racing, I was on the sideline and just praying at the end. I have never won anything before, so I am absolutely buzzing - I lost my voice, just screaming. It is awesome to bring the trophy back to Leeds.”

Hooker Kruise Leeming joined Leeds from Huddersfield at the end of last year to win trophies and has done it after 10 appearances.

He said: “I did envisage it happening at some point, but for it to happen so soon, with this bunch of lads, it is fantastic.”

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Laura Collins