Hull FC centre Kirk Yeaman insists that victory at Wembley this weekend would top the Challenge Cup success he enjoyed 11 years ago with the Black and Whites as they aim to finally end their hoodoo at the national stadium this weekend.
Hull have failed to win at Wembley on eight previous occasions, but they aim to put that right this Saturday when take on Warrington in the Challenge Cup Final.
Yeaman is the only player from Hull’s 2005 success over Leeds Rhinos at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium who is still playing with the Black and Whites. “It all became a blur,” Yeaman said of that Cup triumph.
“You win it and before you know it you are back in your hotel room. I remember getting back to the hotel with my wife and all I wanted to do was sleep. Physically and mentally it takes so much out of you.
“But it’s one of the best experiences I have had. And to win at Wembley will be even more special. Hopefully this time I can remember more about it if we win. “I’m sick of hearing it (the song opposing fans sing about Hull’s Wembley record).
“I have had 16 years of it, so we need to get the words changed. Hopefully, we can put a stop to it. Not just that, but to win a Cup for the fans and for the players.
“We have a special group here. We are all good friends and want to build something special.”
Yeaman has been a mainstay of Hull’s side for the bulk of this year, despite finding himself out on dual-registration with Doncaster at the start of it. And he insists that his refusal to give up and sheer hard work is what has got him back in a side playing in a major final. “It just goes to show if you want something badly enough then you can achieve anything,” said Yeaman.
“I didn’t spit my dummy out when I went to Doncaster. I really enjoyed my time there, but in my mind I didn’t want to be there, I wanted to be playing for Hull FC. “If you look at the team on paper it is a special side and I wanted to be part of it. I have been a member of a lot of good teams over the years, but this team looks very special. I didn’t want to be out of that team again. “I think my form since then warrants a place in the side and I am glad to be part of it.”
