Liam Watts would swap Challenge Cup wins with Hull FC to win it with Castleford

LIAM Watts says he would happily trade in the Challenge Cups he won with Hull to lift the trophy with hometown club Castleford.

But his memories of losing with the Black and Whites in 2013 are the major driving force as he aims to achieve a dream.

The prop is Castleford born and bred but got his hands on silverware when Hull defeated Warrington and Wigan in 2016 and 2017.

However, he is in no doubt about what it would mean to be part of the first side to bring the trophy back to the West Yorkshire town since 1986.

Watts said: “I was saying to the lads the other day, ‘I’d give up the three I’ve played in to play and win it with Cas.’

“It’s always different playing for your hometown club and it’s something the club and the fans need, as do I personally.

“I’d completely agree with the saying, ‘Wembley is the best place to win but the worst to lose.’ Losing in 2013 was a sickening blow.

“But I definitely call on those experiences more now, just trying to get in my head that I don’t want to feel like I did then.

“I’ve had a good chat this week about what sort of an occasion it is. It’s trying to pass on a bit about what it will be like and trying to keep calm heads.”

Castleford boss Daryl Powell has called on some of the 1986 heroes, John Joyner and Tony Marchant, to pass on the benefit of their experiences on Thursday.

The latter, who works at Castleford Academy, also passed on good luck wishes from the schoolchildren.

Whatever happens, it will be hot at Wembley and Watts believes that may see the backs come into the game more.

He added: “It’s going to be a test of both sides with the heat. We’ve both got big physical packs and hopefully our outside backs can take a bit of the pressure off us.”

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