From ghost final to long-awaited Wembley moment: Rhyse Martin eyes last shot at Challenge Cup glory
There was no talk of retirement when Rhyse Martin spoke earlier this week.
Perhaps that was fitting for a Hull KR side so locked in on Wembley that everything else currently feels secondary.
Any effort to look beyond the Challenge Cup final was politely shut down by a player intent on soaking up every moment of the build-up.
Saturday offers Martin the chance to experience Wembley properly at last.
After lifting the trophy behind closed doors with Leeds Rhinos in 2020, he had to watch KR's drought-ending 2025 triumph from the sidelines due to injury.
Now, Martin finally has the opportunity to immerse himself fully in the occasion.
"Last year was tough because I was only a week or two away from returning to play," he said.
"It was one of those where I could have played but the reinjury was a lot higher so the risk wasn't worth it. To be honest, looking back at that game, I don't even know if I would have had the legs for it.
"It was still awesome to be a part of and amazing to see the impact of that accomplishment on the Hull KR community and how much it meant.
"Fast forward 12 months and I'm getting ready to play in it."
The contrast with his only previous Wembley appearance in the Covid-hit final could hardly be greater.
There were no wild celebrations with delirious supporters, just the echo of a win played out in near silence and remembered as one of the strangest in Challenge Cup history.
"It was just the directors for both teams, the coaching staff and the boys who were the reserves," said Martin. "They were the only people on the sidelines that day.
"There were probably no more than 40 people. It was honestly like a training session. When you were on the field, you could hear exactly what the opposition team were saying.
"Luke Gale (current Hull KR assistant) slotted the field goal for us to win that game. It was a great bus ride home, that's for sure.
"It'll be nice to get the energy from the fans when we need it this week. I'm looking forward to getting out at Wembley and experiencing what it's like with a crowd."
That success aside, Leeds flattered to deceive during Martin’s time at the club.
When Hull KR came calling in 2024, the back-rower sensed an opportunity to fulfil his trophy ambitions – one that has been richly rewarded with four major honours in the space of a year.
"Hindsight is a beautiful thing," said Martin.
"A lot of the decision was based on where Hull KR were heading as a club. That definitely made the decision a lot easier.
"Looking back now, it's the best decision I've ever made. The club itself has been unbelievably supportive. And I've really enjoyed coming here and playing in front of the fans at Craven Park.
"My timing has certainly been good! To have been a part of the success has been special."
A historic quadruple has done nothing to diminish Hull KR's appetite for trophies.
If anything, the Robins are as hungry as ever as they prepare to bid farewell to the mastermind of their recent success.
Martin has the chance to go out on a high alongside Willie Peters before the pair link up at PNG Chiefs next year.
"There's certainly extra motivation," said Martin.
"People at the club put in so much hard work that nobody really sees. This is what we play the game for – being in a final with a chance to win another trophy.
"We've been performing really well. We know how tough Wigan are going to be to beat. It's going to take some effort and grit to get the job done.
"It would be a very special occasion if we could walk away with the trophy."