DANNY Tickle believes Hull FC can upset the odds again and beat Wigan in the Challenge Cup final – if they repeat their semi-final heroics.
The 30-year-old kicked two important goals as the Black and Whites saw off Warrington in a nail-biting 16-12 win to secure a Wembley date against the Warriors on August 24.
And Tickle says those who expect Wigan to cruise to victory against the Black and Whites might be in for another surprise.
"If we play the way we did against Warrington, we'll have a chance," the second rower told the Mail.
"Wigan are experts at grinding out a win and they can also put points on teams, so we'll show them respect.
"We'll look at that in the next few weeks and how Wigan play.
"Their structures are the same most weeks and they are a similar team to Warrington.
"They might be favourites, but if we turn up with the right mentality, like we did against Warrington, we'll not be far off."
For Tickle, the final will be his third in a long and distinguished career. It will also provide the perfect send-off before he joins Widnes next season.
Tickle, who spent five seasons at Wigan before joining Hull, is already thinking ahead to Wembley and expects the young guns in Hull's squad to thrive on the open pitch.
"I thought Tom Lineham was outstanding against Warrington," he added.
"Wembley will be a great experience to go to play and he'll thrive on that. I'm sure he will see more finals in his career.
"This is why you play the game, to reach finals and it's a great honour to go back to Wembley.
"It's a great opportunity for the players and the fans."
Although Hull's run to Wembley has helped to ease the disappointment of their league form, which has seen them lose their last five matches, Tickle hopes a cup final appearance can also boost their play-off chances.
"We've had some criticism this year with our performances, and rightly so," he said.
"But with the young players coming through this club is well placed for the future.
"I'm not looking too far ahead yet, but I'm sure it will be on our minds for the next few weeks.
"We have a short turnaround and we play Widnes on Friday. That's the important game for us now, given our position in Super League."
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