JOSH: I’LL WIN IT FOR MY DAD
But he hopes pregnant wife isn’t too excited It’s one Ell of a dilemma IL>9P
®Êby JULIE STOTT JOSH GRIFFIN will look to the heavens and hope his dad is proud of him after facing Wigan in Saturday’s Challenge Cup final.
The Hull centre will then look quickly to the stands and check his partner Katie hasn’t gone into labour amid all the excitement.
But whatever happens at Wembley, Griffin is determined to enjoy every moment of a day he’s only been able to dream of before.
He said: “It’s a new experience because the furthest I’ve got before is the fifth round.
“I’m 27, so it’s come quite late compared to some players and most of my team-mates won it last year, so I feel I’ve missed out a little bit.
Pressure
“But it’s all about enjoyment and I’ve got a massive year coming up, with the final, my first baby due next week and then hopefully we can get to the Grand Final.
“Hopefully the baby does not decide to come on the day! I just wish my dad could be there to see me play in my first game at Wembley and to see my little boy grow up.”
Griffin’s dad Martin died two years ago, devastating Josh and brothers Darrell, who plays for Featherstone, and George, who is with Salford.
Griffin said: “I come from a close family and my dad was No.1 to us and, as regards my rugby, his was the only opinion I cared about.”
The final is a totally different pressure to Griffin’s last game for former club Salford.
Then he was involved in two late tries in last year’s thrilling Million Pound Game against Hull KR, which helped to save their top-flight status.
Now he would love to make even better memories, saying: “I’ve always wanted to win silverware.”