Warrington Wolves fullback Stefan Ratchford believes Saturday’s Challenge Cup final with Hull has all the makings of a classic.
Wembley is arguably yet to see an thrilling final since Rugby League returned there in 2007. But many believe that could change this Saturday when first meets second in the capital. And Ratchford told League Express that he can’t wait to experience Wembley again, having lifted the Cup with the Wolves in 2012.
“If you look at the table this year, Wigan and Hull have been the most consistent teams alongside us, so if you get two of them in a final it has all the makings of a classic,” he said.
“In the last few years one team who has been playing well hasn’t been matched up in the final, so with it being first against second, it should be fantastic.
“These are the weeks you play the sport for. I’ve been lucky enough to taste that week once before and I’m looking forward to it again.
“When Monday comes around and all the talk begins we’ll be fresh and raring to go. It’s a special week to be a part of and the build-up to the final is always special.”
And after numerous semi-final failures in the four years since their last appearance at Wembley, Ratchford insists he has not begun to think about what it would be like to lift the trophy above his head again.
“It’s unbelievable to get back; in the three years since getting there last time we’ve done ourselves an injustice with some bad semi-final defeats. We let ourselves down at the last hurdle, so to get the hoodoo off our back and get back to Wembley is something we’re going to enjoy.
“I haven’t let myself think about lifting it: partly because I’ve had no time to. We’ve had some tough games in the run-up to Wembley, with teams like Saints and Castleford, so we’ve not been able to focus on it too much.”
