Wembley week is well underway after the traditional pre-match media day took place with both clubs at Doncaster racecourse.
The event was hosted by Challenge Cup sponsors Ladbrokes, with both sides represented by five players and their head coaches.
A huge media gathering had assembled for the formal photographs with the trophy, as well as the main press conference with local, regional and national media all in attendance.
The players also took time to speak to journalists individually. You will be able to watch a number of the interviews this week on at hullfclive.tv. Both Lee Radford [Hull FC head coach] and Tony Smith [Warrington Wolves head coach] admitted their squads were in decent shape heading into the game.
The only doubt surrounds former FC player Joe Westerman who suffered an ankle injury at the weekend during the Wolves narrow win over Castleford Tigers.
Speaking after the event, Radford said the excitement of the big match build up had been tempered by a number of selection headaches. “We have named the squad today and informed the players that won’t be involved, it’s a difficult process. “It’s not what you want to tell players that you have built up relationships with.
It has been tough to do; I didn’t think it would be that hard.”
On the buzz of Wembley week, he also added: “I have been feeling okay so far, no pre match nerves, but we will have to see later in the week! “The surrounding is special, the atmosphere is special, making sure we go and play the game and not the event is important though.” “It will mean everything to win on Saturday, it is what I strive for as a coach and could be the first of many victories. “It is very important to us as a club and to me as an individual.” For information about the final and tickets and travel click on the links here www.hullfc.com/news/2016-08-22-cup-final-build-up-underway-with-media-day