Former England international Kevin Brown says losing a Challenge Cup final for the third time was the worst feeling in his life.

The veteran stand-off had experienced heartache with both Wigan and Huddersfield in the showpiece and Saturday’s 20-14 loss to Catalans Dragons at Wembley completed an unwanted hat-trick which leaves him still looking for the first cup winners’ medal in his 15-year career.

“This one feels the worst by a long way,” he said. “It’s probably the worst I’ve ever felt in my life.”

The Wolves, who were also runners-up at Wembley in 2016, conceded an early try to Lewis Tierney and, although they struck back through Ben Murdoch-Masila, they trailed 20-6 early in the second half.

“Full credit to Catalan, they turned up, but I just think we were our own worst enemies,” Brown said.

“We gave them everything. It was probably one of the worst first-half performances we’ve put together all year and saved it for the biggest game of the year.

“We didn’t deserve to win.”

Meanwhile, the Wolves’ second-half tryscorer, forward George King, confirmed his departure from the club immediately after Saturday’s final.

Catalans Dragons v Warrington Wolves – Ladbrokes Challenge Cup – Final – Wembley Stadium
Warrington forward George King dives in for a try but he would have happily swapped it for a win (PA Images/Adam Davy)

The Huddersfield-born Ireland international revealed he will be joining Wakefield at the end of the season, although neither club has made any official comment.

“It is going to be really emotional leaving the club,” King said. “It’s been terrific over these years and I can only thank them for making me the player I am today.

“I can’t wait to go to Wakefield and hopefully get back here at Wembley.”

The Catalans were hanging on towards the end after King’s 56th-minute try brought his side back into contention but he admitted they had left themselves with too much to do.

“We showed plenty to get back in the fight, but I thought Catalans were terrific,” he said.

“They took their chances a bit better than we did. The first 20 minutes took a lot of energy out of us.

“We tried our damnedest in the last 15 or 20 minutes but it wasn’t good enough.

“It was a nice feeling to get a try but I’d have rather had the win any day of the week.

“We left ourselves with too much to do. When you play in big games like this, you have to take your chances.”