Marc Sneyd is eagerly anticipating another trip to Wembley after Hull FC won through to the final of Rugby League’s Challenge Cup.
This will be the third final appearance for the 25-year-old former Waterhead Warriors’ player who will be lining up against Wigan on Saturday, August 26.
And with one win and one loss, stand-off Sneyd knows only too well the contrasting emotions that a trip to Wembley can present.
He said: “I know how it feels at both ends, but I will take that as a positive when preparing for the game.
“I would definitely take winning over losing which is difficult to come to terms with.”
Sneyd was a loser on his first visit in 2014 when his Castleford Tigers’ team lost to Leeds Rhinos.
But there was a much happier return 12 months ago when Hull defeated Warrington Wolves in an epic final.
Hull wiped out a 10-0 deficit to snatch a 12-10 victory, Sneyd kicking two important goals to earn the Lance Todd Trophy, the man-of-the-match award.
“We had gone behind in a number of other games that season and won so were still confident, even when we were 10-0 behind,” he explained.
As for his personal accolade, Sneyd added: “When I was told on the pitch that I had won it, I was over the moon.
“But it was only later when I looked at the names of previous winners that I realised why it is held in such high regard.”
Sneyd still believes Hull have to find their best form as the business end of the season approaches.
“We finished third in the league at the end of the regular season and have reached Wembley, but have not peaked yet. We still have a lot more to offer,” he added.
Though Wigan have had a disappointing campaign by their high standards, Sneyd says they cannot be dismissed.
“They are in a final so it cannot be such a bad season,” he said.
The Sneyd family have been one of the mainstays of the Waterhead club for many years and, though he lives in Hull, Marc tries to get back as often as possible to watch his cousins Louis and Kai Bardsley who play for the junior teams.
