Video: Wembley win highlight of my career

Hull FC players celebrate. Picture : Jonathan Gawthorpe

At 35, the second-row has vast experience having played more than 200 games in the NRL and represented Italy in the 2013 World Cup.

But nothing compared to lifting the Challenge Cup after the win over Warrington Wolves - his first trophy as a professional.

“This is the highlight of my career by far; 15 years at the top level trying to achieve something like this and it’s finally come true,” said Minichiello.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling and the supporters were unbelievable for us, too.

“They deserve to celebrate this - the first time Hull has won at Wembley - and hopefully the club can now go on and win many more.”

The former Gold Coast Titans star said he has rarely had to strive harder eke out a win as Hull did, coming back from 10-0 down on the hour to win 12-10 in searing conditions.

“It was a draining game,” he admitted.

“It was very hot out there and it felt like we had no energy the entire game.

“I don’t know whether it was the emotion of it, the speed of the game, the heat... it was all factored in.

“You just had to dig deep and get through it. It was one of the toughest games I’ve played in and I was out on my feet.

“It needed a special group of guys to get the job done.”

When and where: details of Hull FC celebrations tomorrow

Hull 12 Warrington 10: Emotional Radford hails Houghton performance in Challenge Cup final win

Challange Cup final: Hull 12 Warrington 10 - Five talking points...

Hull FC 12-10 Warrington: Hull strike back to lift 2016 Challenge Cup

Hull 12 Warrington 10: Losing Wolves coach Smith gracious in defeat