Brown up four ending his miserable record

KEVIN BROWN knows more about Challenge Cup Final heartache than most.

The veteran Salford Red Devils playmaker wants to avoid making history today by becoming the first player to lose four finals with four different clubs.

And the stories behind each defeat leave him with a burning desire to set the record straight against Leeds.

In 2004 Brown was knocked out twice as Wigan lost to St Helens in Cardiff and spent the aftermath of the game barely aware he’d played.

Fast- forward five years and he had to be substituted early in Huddersfield’s defeat to Warrington after damaging his knee in a collision with a team- mate.

By 2018 Brown was in a Wolves shirt but was part of the side ambushed as Catalans became the first non- English club to lift the trophy.

And the following year when Warrington provided their own underdog triumph against St Helens, he had to watch from the stands due to a serious Achilles injury.

“What it means is that I really, really want to win one now,” said Brown, 36.

“The first time I was only 18 and I just thought we’d be going back every year.

“It took quite a while to get back with Huddersfield and then I blew my knee out after just 10 minutes.

“They were both tough but the 2018 one was particularly gut- wrenching.

“We were massive favourites but we just didn’t play well – we got outperformed.”

It says much about Brown’s standing in the sport that the following year, despite being unavailable, Wolves coach Steve Price consulted him over constructing a game plan without a recognised stand- off.

Coach Ian Watson knew his knowledge would be invaluable to a Salford squad that lost six players from last year’s Grand Final appearance, including talisman Jackson Hastings.

Now the former England international hopes his experience of disappointment can be used positively.

Brown added: “Any advice I give will be based around playing well and not worrying about anything else.

“That’s why 2018 hurt so much with Warrington because we didn’t do that.

“You have to make sure you perform to your best and don’t get yourself too emotionally invested in anything else.

“Me and Watto bounce off each other and in the last six weeks I’ve been getting more comfortable with the people around me every game.

“I grew up travelling to Challenge Cup finals to watch Wigan and played in three.

“I’ve been on the losing side but I know what to expect now and I’m excited about this one.”

GOLDEN BROWN: Kevin Brown ( left) enjoys a try for Salford in Super League