By Jon Wilkin
St Helens back row |
My memories of big rugby league matches are dominated by vivid images of the Twin Towers and players clambering up the steps to collect the Challenge Cup. I never got to play at the old Wembley but it feels very special knowing I will be playing at the new one on 25 August. If selected, of course.
We don't yet know how the final against Catalans Dragons will be remembered, but it would be nice to produce something that St Helens fans can savour for years to come.
Like every rugby league fan, Saints supporters love reminiscing about finals their club has won and players that have worn the shirt with honour and distinction.
Players like Les Quirk, whose pace was legendary, and Kel Coslett, who could back-heel goals blindfolded apparently!
But we won't be writing off the Dragons. They showed with their stunning win over Wigan that they are no cast of 'Allo 'Allo.
Before the distraction of the Challenge Cup final comes around, there are two more Super League rounds to negotiate .
Some people may be under the impression that most of our thoughts are already on the game at Wembley later this month. The truth is quite the opposite.
Players will be going all out to impress coach Daniel Anderson in an effort to ensure they are picked for the final.
I've already seen several members of the office staff working on their leg speed on the off chance Daniel is watching and I've even caught our club chef John practising his tackling technique.
Joking aside, you can never afford to lose your focus at Saints otherwise you don't play.
And with the amount of experience and quality knocking around Knowsley Road these days, no-one can afford to be complacent.
I still regard myself as one of the relatively inexperienced players at the club.
I have grown in confidence and started to get a picture of what is required to play well in big games, but it's only a picture. In fact, it's more of a rough sketch.
Paul Wellens, on the other hand, has crafted a masterpiece, regularly pumping out stellar performances when it matters.
But back to Super League. We entertained an in-form Hull side on Friday, coming out on top 31-20. They beat us in the corresponding fixture last year thanks to Paul Cooke's late drop-goal.
Thankfully he wasn't part of their set-up anymore following his cross-city move to Rovers, but we were prepared for another tough game.
We'd trained really well and felt fresh and healthy.
The only negative was that Leon Pryce wasn't playing after being banned for three games.
It my view, the punishment was harsh. Sure, he was guilty of ball-tampering, but this is rugby league not cricket!
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