Sam Luckley at ease ahead of Hull KR's latest Challenge Cup bid despite Wembley 'shivers'
Sam Luckley says he will never get tired of emulating his football heroes as he prepares to make his third Wembley appearance in Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup final between Hull KR and Wigan Warriors.
The Rovers star and passionate Newcastle United supporter famously recreated Alan Shearer’s one-arm celebration after scoring a try in front of the Gallowgate End for Salford Red Devils at the 2022 Magic Weekend.
And it is easy to find reminders of another Magpies star in the corridors of the national stadium, where Luckley finally helped his current side shed 40 years of trophy-less hurt against Warrington Wolves 12 months ago.
Luckley told the Press Association: “Being a football fan, going to the stadium and seeing all the photos of the England legends who have played at the stadium, the likes of Gary Lineker and Gazza, it gives you the shivers every time.
“Magic Weekend was a nice thing for me and my family, but playing at Wembley is something you never forget, and being there fighting for one of the biggest trophies in our sport makes it even more special.
“For a lad like me and where I’ve come from, I didn’t think this sort of thing would happen in a million years. So it did hit home a bit the first time, and to go back and finally win it in 2025 made it even better.”
The 30-year-old prop is one of a handful of names remaining from Rovers’ 2023 trip to Wembley, when their quest to win the trophy for the first time since 1980 fell flat in heartbreaking fashion when they were beaten in golden point by Leigh Leopards.
But Luckley returned last year to play his part in the dramatic last-ditch win over Warrington, and he is eager to make it an occasion to remember for head coach Willie Peters, who is leaving the club at the end of the season to take over at the new NRL club PNG Chiefs.
Luckley added: “You always want to send people out on a high with more good memories. Willie signed me and I’m one of the few left from 2023, so he’s been a massive part of my career and hopefully I can help give him another Challenge Cup.
“It’s not a new experience for us anymore, it’s not a shock to walk out there, so I think we’ll be more at ease. We’re in our own little bubble here, and all we’re focusing on is another match against Wigan, and hopefully retaining the trophy at the end of it.”