Holdsworth ready for biggest game of his career

Hull FC half-back Daniel Holdsworth says the 2013 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final against Wigan at Wembley on Saturday August 24, will be the biggest game of his career.

The 29-year-old joined Hull from Salford prior to the 2013 season and after playing a starring role in the dramatic semi-final victory over Warrington, he is hoping to make the most of his first appearance in a final.

“Playing in the Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium will be the biggest game of my career so far without a doubt,” said Holdsworth.

“I’ve never played in a final before and that was one of the big attractions for me coming to Hull last season because I knew this club had the talent and potential to make it to these type of games.

“We had a very close game in the semi-finals against Warrington and we weathered a bit of a storm from them in that game but we held on for a good win.

“We knew that game was going to be tough, it was a gutsy performance for us, and we know we’ll be looking at another very close game at Wembley and we’ll have to put in a huge 80 minutes.”

Holdsworth picked up the man-of-the-match award in the 16-12 semi-final win over Warrington and he was quick to praise the part played by the Hull FC supporters, who he says are among the best in the sport.

“The fans that this club have are amazing,” he said. “In the semi-final there were times when it didn’t seem like Warrington had any fans there at all because of the noise the Hull crowd were making.

“In big games it’s that kind of support that helps you when you’re feeling the pressure and they give you that extra boost.

“We look to them for that pick-me-up. I’ve never seen anything like it before and I can only begin to imagine what they will be like at Wembley.

“As a squad we just have to make sure we keep working hard now in the build-up to the game and make sure we go into it as well prepared as we can. We’re going into it with a bit of momentum and hopefully our fans will be singing at the end.”