Radford must find Wembley way
LEE RADFORD does not have to go far for reminders of Hull FC’s catalogue of Wembley failures.
His club have never won in eight Challenge Cup final appearances at rugby league’s spiritual home and that history will weigh heavy tomorrow against Warrington.
Radford was raised in Hull KR territory on the east side of the River Hull, the dividing point of a bitter rivalry which splits the city.
The 37-year-old head coach still lives behind enemy lines and said: “I was brought up as a red and white and used to watch them with my grandad as a kid. Hull FC signed me when I was 15, so I sold my soul and have been black and white ever since. I get reminded about that once or twice a day by Hull KR fans and about us having never won at Wembley.
“You are either one or the other, there are no neutrals. The hatred is there to see every day when you go to the shop, petrol station or post office – it’s everywhere.
“To be the coach who leads Hull to victory at Wembley for the first time would be unbelievable.”
After being appointed at 34, Radford struggled badly in his first year in charge. Progress was made last term and this season has seen the Black and Whites emerge as serious challengers for the treble. Radford, heavily backed in the transfer market by owner Adam Pearson, said: “Adam could have easily lost patience with me during that first year. I found out a bit about myself and am proud I continued to work harder to get through that tough period.”
Warrington’s former Hull loose forward Joe Westerman has been cleared to face his old club.
Westerman, in the Hull team that lost to Wigan in the 2013 final, was in danger of losing his everpresent Wolves record with an ankle injury picked up in their Super League win over Castleford last Saturday – but has been named in their 19-man squad.