LONG AND WINDING CODE
Crazy antics are thing of past for Sean now 2
SEAN LONG admits he is a changed man as he embarks on the latest chapter of a life well lived.
The Super Legend did it all during a glittering playing career in a sport that has loved him as much as he has loved it back.
Long won four Grand Finals, three Challenge Cups, three Lance Todd trophies, represented his country 14 times and made 265 appearances in 12 years with St Helens.
He was also named Man of Steel in 2000 and kicked drop goals to win both the World Club Challenge in 2001 and the Challenge Cup the following year.
But his playing days were also littered with controversy, including a three-month ban following betting irregularities in 2004, quitting the 2006 Tri-nations series when on Great Britain duty and more drunken benders than he can recall.
Little wonder he got madcap comic Johnny Vegas to write the foreword to his autobiography, appropriately entitled ‘Longy – Booze, Brawls, Sex and Scandal.’
Following a coaching spell in rugby union with Harelquins, Long is now back in the game he holds closest to his heart as assistant coach to Richard Agar at Leeds Rhinos.
And at the age of 44 he insists his wild days of drinking and debauchery are behind him.
In a candid interview, Long said: “I came through with the old-school guys. My debut was in 1994 when there was still a drinking culture.
“I played at Wigan with some legends, hard men who played hard and drank hard too. I just thought it was normal.
“They dragged me through the first years of my career.
“Back in the day that’s just how it was, but that’s not me now.
“I used to love the word ‘chaos.’ When things were chaotic I loved it and sometimes when things were going great, I’d try to make it manic.
“I liked having chaos in my life but it’s definitely not me anymore. I’ve not had a drink for six months. I’ve just not felt like one.
“I don’t bet any more. I’m all right. Betting has never been an issue. I
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don’t gamble. I’m looking after myself and I’m at my playing weight.
“I’m loving the coaching. Rich has given me a free rein and I really appreciate his faith in me.”
Long admits the Rhinos gave him the most painful memory when they beat the Saints in the 2009 Grand Final.
But he added: “When the club rang me with an offer to go to Leeds it was a big thing. A no-brainer.
“I probably wouldn’t have come back into league had it not been Leeds that came in for me. I’m a Lancashire lad but I feel like a Yorkshireman now.”