Clarkson refuses to build up his Wembley dreams

However, the 20-year-old back-row will today discover whether he is going to be forming foundations of another kind as part of the Rhinos' Carnegie Challenge Cup final side, completing one of those remarkably endearing stories that historically shines on the famous competition.

Clarkson had started the season without a squad number at Headingley he was so far away from Brian McClennan's first-team plans.

Indeed, he would train just two evenings a week – Tuesday and Thursday – for the Under-20s while grafting with his cement and trowel during the day.

But the club's early season injury crisis saw the former East Leeds product earn a surprise call-up and he made such an impact that it seems likely McClennan will now not be able to leave him out for Saturday's showpiece against Warrington Wolves.

"I'm not really counting on playing just in case I don't get picked and then it won't be a big setback," he said, knowing four-time Grand Final winner Carl Ablett is available after a three-game suspension and McClennan will find it hard to omit Kiwi World Cup victor Greg Eastwood or the industrious Ian Kirke.

"It would be a dream come true if it did happen though.

"I followed Leeds as a kid and I used to go to Wembley every year with my mum and dad.

"I was there when we won it in 1999. I think I was nine."

Clarkson, who has been training full-time since that shock Super League debut against Hull KR in March, was allowed time off from his understanding father – former Featherstone and Wakefield player Peter – to pursue his dream and has now signed a two-year professional deal following some mature and accomplished efforts.

But he says: "I'll still do a day a week with him on my day off.

"We can end up anywhere... East End Park, Gipton and I was doing a porch last Tuesday.

"It keeps my feet on the ground.

"I get some banter from his mates and enjoy it being up on the scaffolding; it's relaxing and the club have been happy for me to keep my hand in.

"I'm not doing anything this week though and think I'll be stopping at the end of the year," he added.

The hard-working Clarkson, tipped by team-mate Danny McGuire as the "find of the season" after scoring five tries in his 15 games so far, has double reason to want to make the Wembley cut given his former school – Temple Moor – are playing in the Year Seven curtain-raiser.

Their journey has been equally as swift as he explained: "It's the first year they've even played rugby league there.

"Gavin Nicholson has come in and done a great job but when I was at Temple Moor we played football. I was a goalkeeper.

"I went back after my third or fourth (Leeds) game and saw the kids. It was all a bit unreal. It was only four years ago I was one of them.

"I've helped them out a little since and just told them to go and enjoy the day."

Clarkson bizarrely debuted on the wing against Rovers, starting in place of the injured England international Ryan Hall, and then played centre before finally getting his chance in the pack, starting in all but one of those 15 cherished appearances.

Signed originally as a stand-off, loose forward is his ideal position but a certain Kevin Sinfield looms large there and he has cemented a second-row spot in recent weeks, starting in the semi-final success over St Helens.

"That was my highlight so far," he said.

"Hopefully now I can go play at Wembley.

"It's all been so unexpected and happened so fast but it's been a great experience getting to know all the lads who have really helped me along.

"They were my idols but now they are my mates.

"Kev was the one I really admired as a fan and he's been great with me.

"I suppose I'm a bit of a late bloomer and I knew when I signed my last Academy contract this year was make or break.

"Thankfully it's gone well," he added.

Given his construction expertise – Clarkson completed a bricklaying apprenticeship at college after leaving Temple Moor – it is suggested he could also eventually get to work on the planned ground improvements at Headingley.

"I'll give (Paul) Caddick a ring, see if he wants a hand," he laughed, with reference to the club's chairman and construction mogul.

However, regardless of whether he gets the nod for Saturday, it seems Clarkson's building career is one project that is going to have to be delayed for the foreseeable future.