BEAMING Brad Singleton pledged to try and fill the boots of Leeds’ living legends as the Rhinos came from behind to stun Wigan 22-20 in one of the greatest Super League Grand Finals.

Skipper Kevin Sinfield kicked the winning conversion as Brian McDermott’s side became the first side since St Helens in 2006 to complete the Grand Final, Challenge Cup and League Leaders’ Shield treble.

In front of a record Old Trafford Grand Final attendance of 73,512, it was a perfect way to send Sinfield into a new rugby union career and Jamie Peacock plus Kylie Leuluai into retirement.

And there was a large Cumbrian enclave in the crowd to see their emotional swan song and Barrow boy Singleton, 22, lifting another trophy.

“We all had our own motivation to do well; whether it was our first Grand Final or, like these boys, their last,” said happy Barrow Island Singleton. “But they were the storyline and we did it for them.

“There were three speeches in the dressing room after the game so it was quite emotional. They deserve as much respect as they get.

“Next season will be different without them. But there are plenty of us left behind who will have to stand up now they’re gone.

“They have set the standards and we have got to live to them and I am sure we will.”

The career-ending appearances of Leeds’ ‘Holy Trinity’ dominated the build-up to a monumental clash of the titans that saw Wigan come from 16-6 down to lead 20-16 only for Sinfield’s conversion of unsung hero Josh Walters’ 64th-minute touchdown to seal victory.

“These lads are retiring so they deserve the spotlight,” insisted Singleton. “They have got MBE’s after their names, all sorts of accolades so they deserve what they get. Besides, if I am good enough my time will come.

“However, at the start of the year, I could never imagine winning three trophies, especially the way we have done it.”

“Where does it rank alongside the Challenge Cup? It’s hard to compare this with Wembley,” he recalled of Leeds’ 50-0 thrashing of Hull KR back in August.

“But it is great to be in a position to link them up. The Challenge Cup has got history, it’s got romance and winning the Grand Final just tops everything off perfectly.

“Besides, we shouldn’t forget about the League Leaders as well. That showed how consistent we have been during the year.”

Throughout the Rhinos’ incredible journey, Singleton has been backed by the Barrow ‘massive.’

“There were loads who came down to support me for this game,” he acknowledged.

“Rugby Lleague is massive in the town, so a lot of the amateur teams were all here. I’ve had massive support from family and friends too.

“I will always be grateful for that because you need that backing to get yourself going every day.”

Girlfriend Jade was among the Singleton fan club and, after yesterday’s homecoming for the team to Headingley and today’s players’ party, the couple will enjoy a week’s break in Lanzarote.

But it is not quite Singleton’s final game of the year, with Sinfield, Peacock and Leuluai also asked to play it one more time too in 2015.

Leeds host Four Nations champions, New Zealand, at Headingley on October 23.

“I don’t know what shape I’ll be in,” laughed Singleton. “So, hopefully I won’t play as many minutes as I did in the Grand Final. Then I can enjoy a break before getting stuck in ready for next season.”