Houghton can’t wait for Wembley

As with most rugby league players Hull FC‘s Danny Houghton likes to do his talking on the pitch, and with the build-up to Saturday’s Challenge Cup final well underway, he is looking forward to being able to do just that.

It is not because of nerves that the hooker wants to skip the next few days, it is actually the opposite – he cannot wait.

“The players are excited, there is a spring in everyone’s step at the moment,” said the 24-year-old.

“Obviously we are coming off the back of a few decent results and we want to carry that in to Wembley.”

A lot has been made by some people, mainly of a Hull KR persuasion, of the fact that the Airlie Birds have never managed a Challenge Cup success at the national stadium, but Houghton is not concerned.

“It would be nice to put it to rest, but most of the boys, especially the overseas lads, won’t know much about it so it’s not part of our focus.”

Houghton’s focus instead will be on opposite number Michael McIlorum – a player he has huge respect for.

“You know what you’re going to get from Micky, he gives 100 percent and he’s an aggressive player who leads from the front.

“It’s always good to go up against the best and he is one of Wigan’s key players, so it will be another good challenge.

“Wigan may have been a bit under par recently, but as we showed earlier in the year when we plucked a result from nowhere against Catalan in the quarter-final – form doesn’t matter in the cup.

“I’m sure they’ll be on their game come Saturday.”