Castleford coach Terry Matterson insisted the right team hadn't won after the former Brisbane lock's side were beaten 10-8 by Leeds in extra time of their Challenge Cup semi-final.

Matterson, who will return to Australia at the end of this season, watched as Castleford dominated much of the game but, ultimately, had their hearts broken by the ever-reliable Kevin Sinfield.

The Super League top pointscorer held his nerve in extra time to kick the golden points after former Cronulla player Ryan McGoldrick was penalised for a high tackle on Danny McGuire.

The Tigers had dominated large passages of the game and looked set for a final showdown with Wigan, who beat St Helens 18-12 on Saturday.

However, Kallum Watkins' last-gasp Leeds try - and Sinfield's goal - sent the game into extra time that delivered the final blow to Castleford.

"We deserved to be there," he said. "It hurts. I think it will be my last opportunity and that hurts as well.

"To have it taken away like that is pretty cruel. The number of times we were hit high and they weren't penalised, and the one at the end was across his shoulder.

"We're up against it enough. Big teams seem to get the roll of the dice. Maybe one day I'll be with a big team and I'll know how it feels."

A cagey first half - which saw a Sinfield goal separating the sides - was soon forgotten after the interval when Rangi Chase banished his off-field concerns to score the first try of the game.

The 25-year-old had been expected to miss the game to attend a court appearance in Australia but was able to delay the trip and looked set to steal the headlines for his try-scoring u-turn.

Kirk Dixon missed that conversion but kicked two goals to leave Castleford dreaming of Wembley, heading into the last 10 minutes with an 8-2 lead.

However, it was not to be with Watkins' converted score levelling things up and, just minutes into extra time, McGoldrick's offence leaving Sinfield with the chance of glory.

The 30-year-old duly took it, leaving the Rhinos to celebrate and look forward to their Wembley showdown.

Leeds hooker Danny Buderus praised Sinfield.

"Kevin stays back after training every day to practise those kicks and so it was great for him to kick the goal," said Buderus.

"The kick for Kallum's try was probably more difficult but he kicked that as well and we are delighted to be in the final.

"It's hard for Castleford, though, because they came and gave us a really hard time and it was a big battle and they were probably the better team. But we have won it and we know there is plenty to improve on for the final and we can work towards that and look forward to that now."

Matterson has been linked with the vacant coaching job at Canterbury in the NRL.

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