UP FOR THE CUP

Sneyd thrilled that football’s loss is now rugby’s gain

THEY did not bemoan the one that got away at Spotland quite like they did at Maine Road when Ryan Giggs signed for Manchester United.

But when Rochdale came calling, schoolboy footballer Marc Sneyd said, “Thanks but no thanks”.

And the Hull FC half-back has no regrets at turning his back on a possible professional career with the club.

“I was 13 or 14 at the time,” said Oldham-born Sneyd, 26, his trusty left boot ready to give Wigan the same good kicking he dished out to Warrington in last season’s final.

“Growing up, I used to play football and rugby league. But it got to the point where I had to choose. Rochdale invited me for trials, but I never went. I ended up joining Salford’s academy.

“It was the choice I made and I am over the moon how it worked out.”

A year ago he landed two goals, nailed a crucial 40/20 and produced a text-book kicking game on his way to the Lance Todd Trophy.

His kicking is crucial to Hull’s chances of retaining the Challenge Cup. Sneyd, who kicked seven goals and a drop goal in the semi-final win over Leeds, needs four more for 500 in his career.

“Last year I kicked really well and in the end it proved crucial,” he said. “But it is a lot different at Wembley.

“The sticks seem much further away because of the size of the venue. It is quite deceiving.

“I used to practise twice a week, but I do very little these days.

“It seems to work because it’s probably the best season I’ve had.”