Not much fazes young Briscoe, the 18-year-old silver lining to the cloud that has hung heavily over Hull in 2008, not even the knowledge that in a little more than 24 hours time he would realise a lifelong dream.

The fresh-faced lad from Featherstone who grew up on heroic stories of giant-killing acts at Wembley will today crown a remarkable year in his young life by playing his part in helping Hull eclipse what would be a bigger shock than the events of 1983.

Then, seven years before Briscoe was born, Featherstone defied the form book to beat Hull at Wembley and secure a place in rugby league legend.

Twenty-five years on, Briscoe is likely to win a place on the bench for Carnegie Challenge Cup underdogs Hull against the might of holders St Helens, a selection which will be another significant milestone in a memorable year for one of the sport's top talents.

Briscoe did not feature in Hull's first-team plans at the start of the season but a mounting injury toll brought him a surprise debut in the opening round match at Warrington.

Since then, he has gone on to make 15 appearances, including 12 starts, and scored six tries, one of which is a strong contender for Super League try of the season.

As well as his exploits on the field, Briscoe has been able to fulfil his commitments as an A-level student at Pontefract New College from where he passed with a B and two C-grades in sports, biology and geography.

"It's all seemed to come all at once this season, it's been amazing," said Briscoe, a centre who has acquitted himself surprisingly well on the wing. "All I expected this year was the chance to get a few games under my belt and try and force my way in for next season.

"To play as many games as I have and feature in the Wembley team is beyond my wildest dreams."

Briscoe's non-plussed demeanour off the field has led to some likening him to a teenage Andy Farrell but in stature he looks like a young Jamie Lyon, the Australian centre who won the Man of Steel award with St Helens two years ago.

The similarities do not end there for with ball in hand Briscoe is as powerful and potent as Lyon, as Hull KR found to their cost in last month's derby at the KC Stadium.

Defending opposite Peter Fox deep inside his own half, Briscoe pounced on the loose ball when the England winger spilled it and set off on a mighty run.

One defender dived at his ankles and missed, so did another, and another, and one more before the teenager found the line to grab his second try in a 44-18 win.

"We have been dying to see him get a clear run – he doesn't run, he gallops – because he's got that big backside and big legs and he got the chance to gallop today from a standing start. It was good to see him go," said Hull coach Richard Agar afterwards. "He is a level-headed kid who has both feet planted firmly on the ground and I have no doubt he has a great future in the game. The bigger the game, the better he seems to play."

Agar will hope those words prove true this afternoon when at some point Briscoe will find himself confronting the sport's most deadly attacking force and a team whose defence is second only to defending Super League champions Leeds in 2008. "Saints throw the ball about a lot and it's going to be a tough challenge putting myself in the right position to stop their attacking powers," said Briscoe.

"I have had some tough challenges this year and I think I've done all right. I was opposite (former Australia Test centre) Matt King on my debut and he said 'Well done, kid' to me afterwards which was good.

"I am quite laid back. It's exciting and I am a little nervous but there'd be something wrong if I wasn't. I've learned so much this year. Kirk Yeaman has helped me a lot and Matt Sing and Gareth Raynor have given me loads of advice. Hopefully, I can get on and do myself justice in the final."

Having stepped straight out of the examination hall after sitting his last A-level paper to line up against Leeds, Briscoe has become accustomed to passing tough tests and he is confident Hull can do the same today.

"The 1983 final was a little bit before my time but people in Featherstone still talk about what happened and it would be great to be part of a team like that," he said. "Featherstone were massive underdogs that day but won through and there's no reason why we can't do the same."