Tickle relishing Wembley

Hull FC stalwart Danny Tickle is relishing the prospect of returning to Wembley Stadium for the 2013 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final against Wigan Warriors on Saturday August 24.

Tickle was a member of the Hull side beaten by St Helens at Wembley in the 2008 cup final but after booking their place in this year’s showpiece after a dramatic 16-12 win over Warrington Wolves in the semi-finals, he is hoping for a successful visit to the capital this time around.

“We knew it was going to be tough against Warrington in the semi-final and they kept coming at us,” said Tickle.

“Warrington are always strong in big games and they have a great recent record in the cup but we held on to win what was a great game and I think that showed our character.

“We’ve had a few weeks since then to re-focus and it’s massive for everyone at the club now to be going to Wembley.

“It’s huge for the fans and for (club chairman) Adam Pearson as well as he has put a lot of time and backing into the club since he got involved. For the players it’s massive and we’ll hopefully make the most of the occasion.

“There’re a few lads who have been to Wembley before like Yeamo (Kirk Yeaman) and Richard Whiting and gone all the way in the competition before. We know it will be a very tough game and we can’t look past Wigan, but hopefully we can go there and do it and get the win.”

Tickle and Co. will be aiming to break the club’s hoodoo at Wembley, where they have failed to win in all seven cup final appearances, including two defeats at the hands of Wigan, and the second row, who landed seven kicks from seven during last weekend’s Super League victory over loacal rivals Hull KR, thinks the Hull FC faithful could be play a pivotal role at Wembley.

“We’ve got a massive support and they were huge in the semi-final,” he said. “They always turn out in their numbers for our games and they’re fantastic and really get behind us.

“When you’re under pressure or its getting tight in a game, the fans are there and they can give you that extra lift that you need and they helped us on against Warrington.

“It would be great to see a large contingent travel to Wembley and really get behind the squad again. Hopefully we can give them something to be proud of and for me it’s just an honour to be going back to Wembley and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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