Waterford legend John Mullane believes that his county’s Allianz Hurling League triumph can act as the springboard for further glory this summer.

The Déise claimed their first National Hurling League title since 2007 with a convincing 10-point victory over a Cork side who were not at their best on Sunday.

Now five-time All Star Mullane claims that his county can build on their league success and go into the Championship full of hope.

"The players are going to go into new territory now and they’re going to have to deal with that expectation"

"These players have installed a belief among supporters now," he told RTÉ Sport.

"Within the last few years if Waterford supporters are to be really honest with themselves I suppose they were going out more so in hope that we would win games but with this new breed of talent coming through it’s expectation.

"The players are going to go into new territory now and they’re going to have to deal with that expectation  but I don’t think anything fazes these young lads. They've no fear and I think this bunch of players are going to grow more now that they have silverware put away.

"You’ve got to give great credit to the players and more so the management, what a turn-around within those 12 months and here we are now, we’re on the cusp of a wave and who knows where this Waterford team can go from now.

"I think Cork going back down to Cork last night would be thoroughly disappointed and so would their fans," he added.

"The hunger possibly wasn’t there as much as it was for Waterford and I think Waterford just wanted it that little bit more, particularly in the second half when they had to drive on and close out the game."

Waterford will face Cork again in five weeks time in the Munster Championship and Mullane believes that his county will face a much improved Rebels side.

"We've got to be cautious down here in Waterford because we’re going to be playing Cork again in five weeks' time and, to be fair, I don’t think that was a true reflection of what Cork are all about,” he said.

"I expect a very good game against Cork but I think Cork are going to bring something fresh and new to the table and I think you’ll see a different Cork team."

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