ONE of the key battlegrounds of Saturday's Powergen Challenge Cup Final will be between both sides' influential number nines.

And it is one Keiron Cunningham, a veteran of all five of Saints' previous summer era cup final appearances, is determined to win against the Giants' jack-in-the-box Aussie Brad Drew.

The form of the 29-year-old hooker, playing in the middle of a dominant pack, has been a strong feature of Saints' fine displays this season, particularly in the cup where they have steamrollered Doncaster, Bradford, Catalans and Hull KR en route to Twickenham with the minimum of resistance.

But come 2.45pm on Saturday Saints' heavyweight front row will lock horns with an equally big, abrasive set of six fronted up by two leviathans in Wayne McDonald and Eorl Crabtree, but with Drew pulling the strings.

Although hot-favourites, Cunningham is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "We have basically got to go out and do what Daniel tells us but if we don't we will come unstuck.

"Huddersfield are a very good side, with massive forwards and some smart, quick backs. Chris Thorman and Brad Drew can run riot so we know who we have got to control and how we have to defend.

"We have to win the battle in the middle for starters because they will have some big lads coming at us.

"They play off the back of that big pack, particularly Thorman who is one of the most talented sixes around with a great kicking game."

Although this will be Cunningham's sixth final, he still has the same hunger as when he was a teenager playing in that Ultimate Comeback' final in 1996.

"To make a cup final is a dream for every player and all those previous ones mean something to me.

"I was only a kid for the first one and it was more shock than anything going out in front of a packed Wembley.

"At least I am more mature now and can handle the stage and the atmosphere a bit more.

"You still get nervous and get the jitters, but as an 18-year-old going into that Wembley roar it absolutely zaps everything. Your legs go, but now as a bit more of a senior pro I can handle things a bit better, especially the big games," he said.

Although the Thatto Heath-born hooker has won a World Club Challenge, four Super League and four Challenge Cup medals, he would like to emulate older brother Eddie and get his hands on the Lance Todd Trophy.

The award for the man of the match has only ever gone to a hooker once in 46 years - by Hull's Tommy Harris in 1960.

But if Cunningham fires on all cylinders - he might just be adding his name to the trophy won by his brother 24 years ago.

"You cannot predict who wins the man of the match, it is just who plays well on the day. I would love to win it though.

"I have a nice little trophy cabinet at home with plenty of caps and winners medals.

"All that it is short of is a Lance Todd and a Man of Steel, so I will have to do my best over the next couple of years to try and get those," he said.