09 August 2023 , 10:34
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After twice missing Wembley selection, Hull KR’s Dean Hadley will be hanging on every word when Willie Peters names his Challenge Cup final squad.
In fairness, the tireless England Knights back-row will probably be one of the first on the team-sheet for Saturday’s showdown against Leigh. But it hasn’t always been the case for Hadley who was on the books of KR’s fierce rivals Hull when they famously won at Wembley for the first time. He recalled: “I was 18th man in 2016.
“And I was at Wakefield on a season-long loan when they went back and won the Cup again the following year so I missed out on that as well. It was really tough. Being a Hull lad and part of that team to get to Wembley was a great occasion but I really had mixed feelings.
“Not playing in the game in 2016 was really difficult. I was buzzing at the time and it was still great to be part of that and have that experience. But there’s no doubt I’m hoping I’m playing Saturday.”
It would be easy for the 18th man to secretly hope a team-mate pulls up lame in the warm-up when a game’s as significant as a Wembley final. But Hadley, who turned 31 on Saturday, said: “You want to play but I don’t ever wish any misfortune on other people. I’m not that type of person. For me, I want the coach to pick me because I deserve it and he wants me to be playing and part of it. Hopefully, this time, with KR, I’ve done enough and I can play my part against Leigh.”
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Undoubtedly, Hadley’s energy, work-rate and experience will be crucial if Peters’ side are to overcome the in-form Leopards. And any success will vindicate his bold decision to move across the River Hull in 2019. He said: “It was a really tough decision for me at the time to move sides.
“But I felt like I needed to do it at that point in my career: I wanted to be a regular playing every single week and feel important. At the time Hull KR was struggling and in a relegation battle so it was a little bit risky. But I’m glad I did it. We’ve been building since, got to a couple of semis and just fallen short but it does really feel like we’re getting better.
“Leigh will be tough but I’m really confident in this team. It’d be huge if we can do it. KR have not won the Cup since 1980 and those guys who did are still heroes. It’s been too long since this club’s won a trophy. And I know, from Hull, what sort of impact a Wembley win can have. This could be bigger."