Mini eyes maiden final

Hull FC back-rower Mark Minichiello says this Saturday’s Challenge Cup final against Warrington Wolves will be the highlight of his career as he readies to experience his first major final.

The Black and Whites meet Warrington at Wembley for rugby league’s oldest and most prestigious prize.

Minichiello, who joined Hull last year, has not played in a final in his career, and is relishing his first-ever appearance on a grand stage.

“Not a lot of players get to step out at Wembley, it’s such an iconic and famous ground and it’s one of the best in the world,” he told the Hull FC website.

“It will be special as I have been playing for a number of years now and I have never experienced a Grand Final or a game like this. It will be the highlight of my career.

“The players that have been there before have said it’s a great week, take in the experience and enjoy it.

“You don’t get too many opportunities to play at Wembley. I’m going to really savour that moment and hopefully perform my best.”

Hull and Warrington are first and second on the Super League table respectively, teeing up one of the most anticipated matches in 2016.

Minichiello knows the Wolves will be a dangerous side having won the trophy a few times in recent years, particularly with their playing style.

“They’re a great team. We are the top two teams in the competition so far,” Minichiello said.

“We have played them twice and got two narrow victories, which could have gone either way.

“They play a good brand of football as do we. We throw the ball around and play up tempo and fast it could go either way, but hopefully we will be holding the cup at the end.”