Hull FC coach Lee Radford believes Saturday’s Challenge Cup final with Warrington Wolves could be the first of many appearances in major finals in the coming years.
The squad Radford has assembled is believed to be one of the club’s most talented and capable of major honours in years. With a host of overseas imports combined with fine young British talent, Hull still remain in the hunt for the treble ahead of Saturday’s Wembley showdown.
And Radford, who will lead his hometown club out in a major final for the first time on Saturday, says he sees a bright future for Hull.
He said: “I really hope this is the first of many finals with this group. I think the team we’ve got together is capable of sustaining where we’re currently at.
“The front row is at a really good age and so are our outside backs as well. There’s no reason why we can’t and we’re still bringing some kids through for the under-19s as well.”
Away from the field, Radford admits his life has been made a lot easier off of it because of the success of his side on it this year!
“My lad plays at Skirlaugh and the amount of rugby tournaments I’ve not gone to because I don’t want to have to stand there and defend myself because of our results you wouldn’t believe.
“That’s rubbish as a parent – when he’s been looking forward to going and he has to go with someone else’s parents. For us to be able to go to those tournaments is brilliant. Winning just makes your life at home that much easier.
“Good Friday last year was difficult. Both my boys came to that game and the Rovers fans were singing you’re getting sacked in the morning. My youngest is a worrier so that didn’t sit too well with me. It probably just stoked the fire of the hatred towards that club a little bit more that’s for sure.
“This Good Friday our fans were singing it to Chessy and I felt for him because I knew where he was.”
Radford named his 19-man squad for the final on Thursday, with utility Jordan Abdull a notable omission as both Sika Manu and Liam Watts were recalled.
