Jonah Cunningham: Son of St Helens great Keiron relishing chance to shine as head coach
Cunningham, like his father, always knew that comparison with his father was inevitable.
That’s always tough.
Wales and Keiron, a single club man, made 496 appearances in his career hosting trophys, including five Premier League champions and seven Challenge Cup winners.
He then went on to serve as Saints head coach, leading 76 games in two and a half years. Ended in April 2017.
“He is one of the best players in club history. There is a statue outside the stadium and unfortunately, I just decided to choose the exact same position as him,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham’s career was “much earlier than his father’s career” and despite his promotion to 17 at the Academy of Saints and being promoted to first team in 2017, the breakthrough never went viral. Appeared.
After several loan spells, including loans with Leigh, Oldham and Rochdale, Cunningham quit the game’s “Building” Career, not trying to push me to sports”.
Then there was moving from St Helens and Rugby League to Suffolk, where he ended up playing Rugby League for Southwold.
This move not only brings a new challenge, but also brings some welcome anonymity.
“One very good thing that happened to me that happened (on that first day) was a couple of young guys coming to me and asking if I had ever played rugby,” he said.
“Obviously, I was obviously in that year in the professional setup, so it was great not to be Jonah Cunningham. I’m just Jonah.
“People just know me, not my dad or the character above me.”
