Huddersfield Giants v Leeds Rhinos: Ryan Hinchcliffe aiming to match Cup exploits of former team-mates

Huddersfield Giants' Ryan Hinchcliffe in action against Castleford Tigers.

There is, of course, no equivalent of the famous knock-out competition Down Under; it is something uniquely British.

However, the likes of Kangaroos legends such as Brett Kenny, Peter Sterling and Gene Miles all savoured walking out at Wembley and it is something Huddersfield Giants’ own Australian Ryan Hinchcliffe would love to experience, too.

The West Yorkshire club’s captain, who signed from Melbourne Storm in the off-season, is readying himself for his first taste of Challenge Cup action against Leeds Rhinos this evening knowing the Fartowners are just three wins away from the prestigious showpiece.

“I followed some of the games and the finals which were played at Wembley,” he admitted.

“They are big events so we would tune in to watch those back home.

“It is held in high-esteem from some other players that I know, who I played with at Melbourne, who have come over here and go on to play in Challenge Cup finals.

“So, I know the competition is held in very high regard and the opportunity to play in the Challenge Cup is something I am really looking forward to.”

Hinchcliffe’s former Melbourne colleagues – stand-off Blake Green in 2013 and half-back Brett Finch, prop Jeff Lima and second-row Ryan Hoffman two years earlier – all played and won at Wembley with Wigan Warriors.

Huddersfield, who have not lifted the cup since 1963, gained confidence they can end that run by defeating Leeds 28-20 a week ago in a Super League meeting at John Smith’s Stadium

“Confidence and self-belief are huge things in professional sport, especially when you have a young group,” said Hinchcliffe, with Huddersfield also being the last team to beat Leeds in the competition at the fifth round stage back in 2013.

“For us to instill that belief in our game plan and the way we want to play is a huge thing for the younger players to experience.

“We need to make sure we keep the same mentality this week.

“It’s still the same game we are playing but obviously being a different competition and being a knockout-based competition there is a little bit more on the line for this game.”