Leigh Leopards completing goal of ‘proving people wrong’ with Challenge Cup heroics, says Ed Chamberlain
Leigh Leopards lift the Challenge Cup in 2023
Leigh Leopards centre Ed Chamberlain says they are continuing to prove doubters wrong following their Challenge Cup triumph.
The Leopards won their first Challenge Cup final since 1971 on Saturday as they beat Hull KR 17-16 in golden point extra-time at Wembley.
Adrian Lam’s side have been on a remarkable journey this year, having lifted major silverware in the Cup as well as sitting third in Super League and looking like certainties for the play-offs.
“It’s not quite sunk in just yet but we’re all buzzing,” Chamberlain said.
“A few of us said the build to the game is probably the biggest thing that takes it out of you but as soon as you kick-off it is just another game.
“That 80 minute performance, we held in and we cracked that at the end but there was no doubting the boys can stick together and come out with the win.
“We set a goal at the start of the year that we want to prove everyone wrong and I think at the minute we’re doing that.
“We’ve managed to get some respect back for being a newly-promoted club and everyone not just saying ‘you’ll be happy to survive’. No, we want to make sure we’re pushing for that top spot and I think at the minute we’re doing that.”
‘It’s not settled in just yet’ – Ed Chamberlain on Leigh Leopards winning Challenge Cup
Ireland international Chamberlain impressed in the centre role at Wembley, but he admitted that it’s going to take a little while for it to really sink in.
“It seems a little bit weird but I think the surreal thing is no one gave us a chance at the start of the year,” Chamberlain added.
“I think the most surreal thing is we’ve proved everyone wrong.
“We know we can do it, we knew we could get here but I think the surreal thing is we’ve proved everyone wrong from what everyone perceived of us at the start of the year.
“It’s not settled in just yet but I’m sure in the next couple of days it will sink in, I’ll see the family and I’m sure that will.”