‘We might need that magic Rob Burrow moment’ – Danny McGuire relishing game-changing moments in Challenge Cup final
Danny McGuire played alongside Rob Burrow for the majority of his career
Danny McGuire says Hull KR may need a Rob Burrow moment of magic to win the Challenge Cup final against Leigh, and believes they have the players to do it.
The Rovers assistant coach heads back to Wembley on a mission to replicate the joy he experienced in the national stadium as a winner with Leeds in 2014 and 2015.
Both times he lined up with his old mate Burrow, having come through the ranks at Leeds and England where they would room together on tours.
McGuire has been a regular visitor to Burrow’s home since his devastating MND diagnosis.
He admits the legendary number 7 will be in his thoughts at Wembley, and believes the Cup final could require a game-breaking moment of brilliance like Burrow’s iconic Grand Final try, to determine who takes the trophy.
“My memories of these great occasions with Rob haven’t faded,” McGuire told Love Rugby League. “The only ones I’ve forgotten are the ones we have lost.
“Big games are all about moments. There will be four or five moments in this final that will decide the game.
“It might be a try-saving tackle or it might need to be a piece of genius like Rob’s try at Old Trafford in 2011. That was a bit of magic from nowhere that shaped the game and allowed us to win and we might need that Burrow moment.
“You don’t know who is going to come up with those big plays and that is what makes professional sport so exciting.
“Do we have the players to do something like Rob did? Yes we have those players.
“We have younger players like Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten who can really break open any defence and then Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Ryan Hall who have represented their country numerous times.
“We have a dangerous team, but I think all the effort stuff defensively is what will win us the Cup.”
Danny McGuire still learning his stripes in the coaches’ box
McGuire is still learning his stripes as a coach and admits that he finds it difficult not to be out on the pitch.
“When I first started coaching, one frustration in tight games was not being able to be out there influencing it,” he added. “I would want to bring myself on as sub.
“There will always be that little bit in me because that is what I love and I don’t think that will ever go.
“But as a coach now I handle it better, I feel the same emotion but I need to trust the players and I get my kicks from their successes.
“The big moments, in the big games, at Old Trafford and Wembley. That’s what makes our careers special.”