Cunningham in tribute to Anderson

Cunningham has been in inspired form for Saints this season

St Helens hooker Keiron Cunningham has paid tribute to coach Daniel Anderson as the "best I've ever worked with".

Cunningham has been in outstanding form for the Saints as they prepare for the visit of reigning champions Leeds on Friday in a Grand Final qualifier.

"Daniel has brought my game on leaps and bounds and this has probably been one of the best years I've had for a while," said Cunningham.

"I put it down to him. He's reignited a few fires I didn't know were there."

Anderson replaced Ian Millward in May and he put his faith in Cunningham by making him skipper in the absence of Paul Sculthorpe and Sean Long.

Cunningham added: "I've really enjoyed this year and found some great form and started to peak at the right time.

"Hopefully I can take my form into the Leeds game on Friday and if I can then carry it on into the Tri-Nations with Great Britain I'll be delighted.

"I'd like to think I can strive for more. The day that I stop wanting to learn and don't want to strive for more is the time I'll probably call it a day."