It was the time of my life: Curtis Sironen reflects on dream debut year with St Helens
Curtis Sironen made the move to St Helens for two major reasons – to play regularly and to feel wanted again.
And for those reasons, he marks 2022 as the best year in his career to date after succeeding with both of his goals as well as being a part of the history-making St Helens side that won their fourth successive Grand Final.
Sironen, 29, made 131 appearances in the NRL across stints with Wests Tigers and Manly Sea Eagles, making his debut in 2012.
He was limited to just six games in 2021 due to injuries and decided to take the chance on the other side of the world with St Helens ahead of 2022.
In his debut year in England, the back-rower made 24 appearances, scoring three tries. He was also named in the starting team for the Grand Final against Leeds at Old Trafford, going on to win 24-12.
Curtis Sironen on dream debut
“It was the best year I’ve had in my career in terms of performance wise and more of just enjoying my footy,” Sironen told Love Rugby League.
“I wanted to be playing regularly and to feel wanted again and it all just rolled into the perfect formula to come over.
“My goal last year was just to play as many as I could. I’ve had a few niggles with injuries and came to a new team – you just want to stamp who you are and things like that and I think I did that.
“Playing in the final series and being at Old Trafford, it was unreal and to top it off with the win – it was the time of my life. That’s why you play. Now we’ve got to back it up again, it’s a long year but hopefully we’re there come October.
“I’m honoured to be at such a great club”
“I had such a great time and I’m honoured to be at such a great club with great guys. The staff and players are champion blokes.
“Last year was great and I’m looking forward to going again.”
Sironen enters the final year of his two-year contract, but does have the option of a third if he wishes to extend his stay in the north of England.
“I’ve got an option for a third year, so if I play a certain amount of games I can activate that,” he explained.
“But I’m not too worried about that yet. I’m sure the rest will work out for itself and hopefully I’m still here.
“I can’t see myself playing for another Super League club. I’m hoping to still be here and let my footy do the talking.”
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