HULL FC half-back Daniel Holdsworth admitted his man-of-the-match display almost did not happen as he came close to missing FC's 16-12 Challenge Cup semi-final win over Warrington.
Holdsworth wasn't due back from his calf strain injury until a fortnight's time, but the Black and Whites' medical staff worked wonders to get him back fit for the club's biggest game of the season, so far.
That will now be the cup final against Wigan on August 24 and Holdsworth can't believe he will be there.
"I was pretty close to missing this game," Holdsworth told the Mail.
"It was a six-week injury and that would make it four weeks today.
"I worked really hard on my rehab and had this game in mind if we got past Catalan.
"I healed quick and it worked out well.
"It's amazing getting to Wembley.
"There were a lot of happy boys in the changing rooms.
"It hasn't sunk in it yet, but it will over the next couple of days.
"Reaching Wembley is great for our young squad.
"We have some young heads but we also have that mix of senior players in the side too.
"We knew we have the squad to play in big games and we showed that and we're in the final."
Holdsworth was immediately back to his best with a 40/20 in the third minute and a try-saving tackle to deny Chris Riley a try in Hull's right hand corner.
Coach Peter Gentle singled Holdsworth out for praise, saying his side wouldn't have won without him in the team.
"My own performance was a bit nervous to start with," Holdsworth said.
"Because I was just back from an injury I knew there would be rustiness in my game.
"But I work hard in training for days like this."
With an even bigger game to look forward to next month, Hull could be forgiven for wanting to wrap their star in cotton wool for the Wembley showdown, but Holdsworth has other ideas.
"Wigan are a great team and they have been good the last few years," he added.
"We'll have our work cut out between now and the final. But we'll work hard over the next month and get to Wembley and give it a good crack."
Holdsworth believes their league form will now improve as a result of this achievement as they fight to stay alive in the race for the play-offs.
They are currently eighth but Holdsworth feels the competition for places at Wembley will reflect in their league performances.
"We had a down-turn in our week to week form in the league which is disappointing," Holdsworth said. "But we have three league games to play before the cup final so we need to build confidence and momentum to take that into the final.
"We have a good strong squad and not many injuries so players will be playing for places."
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