Magic not money is real thrill for Leeds

Numerous players over the last decade and more could offer first-hand experience of the chief executive's renowned technique when it comes to contract re-negotiations.

Praising an individual's improvements and strengths on one hand, hinting at the chance of a significant pay rise, only to just as swiftly remind him of certain areas where there is still room for improvement without causing offence; the astute Rhinos powerbroker has the uncanny knack of being able to get value for money across all areas of the business.

It does not matter if the player is a reigning Man of Steel, Super League's top try-scorer or a victorious Grand Final-winning captain, the astute Hetherington has the persuasive ability to take the wind out of anyone's sails while somehow letting them think they remain undeterred and on course for their ultimate aim.

Given his prudent approach, it is unsurprising that Leeds is one of the slickest-run clubs around, and, without wanting to mirror the stereotypical tight-fisted Yorkshireman, as a son of Castleford, his frugal qualities do his hometown proud.

So, it was refreshing to see the genuine glint – not pound signs – in the former salesman's eye after the Rhinos had secured their passage through to Wembley following an epic Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-final success over St Helens; it would appear even Hetherington is not immune to the romance of the cup.

While Keith Senior is the only current Leeds player to have featured at Wembley, as part of the Sheffield Eagles side that shocked Wigan in 1998, Hetherington was, of course, at the helm the following year when the West Yorkshire club overcame London Broncos for their first cup triumph since 1978.

But a barren run has followed and the club have failed to reach the final since its return to the new Wembley three years ago.

After the heroics of their

32-28 triumph over Saints though, they expect to take an army of fans there to face holders Warrington on August 28 and the fervent buzz around the city is sure to be amplified in the coming weeks.

"It (Wembley) is one of the few opportunities where a club can generate a non-budgeted income," Hetherington told the Yorkshire Post.

"But that is very much secondary in our thoughts.

"Over and above that, it's the experience for all the fans which is most exciting.

"I think we'll take 25,000. It'll be a great day for the city, the region, our club and we want everyone to have a magical experience at Wembley."

The last time they were there, many of the club's current players were still making their way through the Academy, dreaming of such glory – Rob Burrow, Danny McGuire, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Matt Diskin and Ryan Bailey – while captain Kevin Sinfield was freshly in the first-team squad.

Now the team that has since grown up together, winning four Super League titles and two World Club Challenges, will finally gain the opportunity to lift the one trophy that has painfully escaped their clutches.

Brian McClennan's squad have spoken all season about how they were not obsessing about ending the drought this year and the Challenge Cup was no wondrous odyssey despite all the hyperbole emanating from outside the Headingley dressing room.

But their jubilant celebrations at the end of Saturday's enthralling contest betrayed that public announcement; this golden generation of players are intent on completing the collection.

How ironic that the man who fashioned the young talents of McGuire, Burrow, Diskin et al into champions will stand in their way.

Tony Smith, who led Leeds to their first league title in 32 years in 2004, and added another three years later, is the Warrington chief equally as determined to enjoy Wembley victory.

"We're in a golden era and statistically – over the last six or seven years – this is the most successful team there's ever been," added Hetherington.

"But one thing that has eluded us is the Challenge Cup and that's been at the forefront of people's minds. It is such a unique competition and so tough to win over the course of an entire season.

"When I think of our first game at Hull back in April it feels such a long time ago.

"We've had a tough draw as well – Hull away was a daunting prospect, Wigan going as well as they were and then Saints in the semi. Saturday was a classic and I'm delighted we won – semi-finals are all about the result – but it's great when you can be part of a spectacular game as well.

"We've certainly done it the hard way but it is fitting that this team should grace Wembley; we're confident we can go and grace it well."