Defence key in final - Flannery

GRAND FINAL: Leeds v St Helens
Venue: Old Trafford Date: Saturday, 10 October 2009 Kick-off: 1800 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra, live text on BBC Sport website, coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and local radio. Live on Sky Sports 1.
Highlights Super League Show on BBC Two on Sunday at 1830 BST

Flannery has been a key player in the St Helens line up this season.

St Helens back-rower Chris Flannery believes a good defence will be the key to success in Saturday's Grand Final against Leeds at Old Trafford.

Saints have lost the last two finals to Leeds but Flannery is hoping for a different outcome this year.

Flannery told BBC Radio Merseyside: "They're a big pack and if you don't step up to them they can bully us so our six have got to match their six.

"We're going into this game as more of an underdog and that could suit us."

It's hard not to take your mind back to those last two years

St Helens back-rower Chris Flannery

St Helens reached the final by beating the Wigan Warriors 14-10 in Saturday's semi-final, and the 29-year-old admits his side cannot afford to dwell on their previous Grand Finals against the Rhinos.

"It's hard not to take your mind back to those last two years," said Flannery. "[It's tough] when you come with the expectations of getting the win and going home empty handed.

"Subconsciously you do think about those things and wonder what you could have done better during those games."