Wembley final place for Huddersfield Giants would be fitting testimony for Luke Robinson

Indeed, the former England scrum-half admits he feels more like a “wedding-planner” as he combines continuing his rehabilitation from major surgery with organising his ongoing testimonial, awarded by the RFL after the Huddersfield Giants star was forced to quit in February.

However, he hopes to see his erstwhile colleagues push on all the way to Wembley by defeating holders Leeds Rhinos in tomorrow’s sixth round tie, just the sort of derby contest that would whet the 31-year-old’s appetite during his own playing days.

Struggling Giants, of course, beat Leeds at John Smith’s Stadium last Friday to lift off the bottom of Super League and send the ailing champions there in their place.

Speaking to The Yorkshire Post ahead of the Cup tie there, Robinson admitted: “I said beforehand that these two games are imperative for both sides’ seasons.

“It’s like a mini-Origin series playing back-to-back like this.

“It was important Giants got off to a good start last week and they did by winning.

“Let’s be fair – neither Leeds Rhinos nor Huddersfield Giants are going to win the Super League Grand Final this year and there’s only two trophies to go for apart from the League Leaders’ Shield.

“I’m an Englishman and, while the Aussies see their Grand Final as the be-all and end-all, I see it differently.

“Growing up, the Challenge Cup was massive for me and I don’t see a difference in either competition – the Challenge Cup is just as important.

“In fact, for me, it’s even more important. For both sides tomorrow it is, too, as the dream of Old Trafford has gone.”

Halifax-born Robinson, a beaten 2009 Challenge Cup finalist with Giants against Warrington Wolves, concedes he has still yet to get to grips with the fact that his playing days are over.

In part, that is because he is still undergoing physio at Huddersfield for the injury that, at one point, resulted in him unable to even put his own socks on.

The former Wigan, Salford and Castleford playmaker explained: “It (hip) is nearly better than it was before. It’s only been eight-and-a-half weeks since the op’ but I’m not getting that pain down my hamstring which is nice.

“I’ve been so busy with my testimonial, I’ve not had much time to think about anything else.

“I feel like a wedding planner – ringing up about hot starters, cold starters, how much bands cost, when they can play ’til – and it’s been a nice distraction.

“I’ve been doing my physio, too, and I’ve not been missing it yet. I don’t think it’s really sunk in. I suppose I feel like an injured player as I’m still doing rehab’ and spending time with the rehab’ group. I actually think I’ll be running again in about three weeks.”

Is that, then, the time when it will hit home?

“I don’t even think it will be then,” he added. “I spoke to (former Giants hooker) David Faiumu, who was in a similar spot. He was helping out with the community and the youth side of things so was still around.

“He said it was about eight months later when he was sat at home watching a game on TV that it really hit him.”

Robinson, one of the smallest players in Super League at just five foot, six inches, was renowned not only for his acceleration and evasive skills but sheer toughness, too.

That was illustrated by the lengths he went to to try and extend his career but he accepts there was no way he could have carried on, especially when a specialist warned it may eventually stop him from actually walking.

“I’m no different to many other players who go out and have injections to play and do whatever they can,” he added.

“I started playing Super League at 17 and I think it really took it out of me especially the way I play the game as well; I’m small in stature and it took it out on my body.

“It got to the point in 2012 where I was really struggling with it and needed injections to get through the year. I’d have two per year but last season had seven.

“The point where it really hit home was when my wife saw me fumbling around with my sock for about five minutes before setting off for a match. I couldn’t get it on. She had to put it on for me.”

Robinson held the first of his testimonial events on Saturday and is looking forward.

“There’s a mutual appreciation between me and Giants,” he said.

“They’ve put me on their coaching staff and I’m grateful for that. I’m not sure if it’ll be first team or the youths yet but I’ve always wanted to coach. This lets me dip my toe in the water.”