Thornley: Something we’re striving for

• Iain Thornley shares his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
• Thornley: “Their faces at the Semi Final, I’ve got some special pictures with my family after the game so I want to take it that little bit further and get some pictures with the Challenge Cup with them as well.”
• Betfred Challenge Cup Final – Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants, Saturday 28th May, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, 3pm K.O.

Iain Thornley says Wigan lifting the Challenge Cup again is ‘something we’re striving for’ as he prepares to feature in a Challenge Cup Final for the Club for the first time since 2013.

Thornley was part of the double winning team in 2013 as Wigan lifted both the Challenge Cup and Super League trophies: “Yeah we had a really good year. We had the Challenge Cup, managed to do the job there and then a few months later we managed to get the Grand Final as well. It was a very special year and I’ll always remember that.

“It always sticks with you, I’ve still got my medal at the side of my bed with my Grand Final ring and my granddads hat that he used to always wear. I’ve got a bit of a memorabilia thing there, I’ve still got it there now and I’m hoping to add one or two more things fingers crossed. They are memories in Rugby that will stay with you forever and they’re clear as day.”

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s final, Thornley explained what it means to him and his family to compete for a Challenge Cup Trophy for a second time in his career: “I’m definitely excited. I’m excited for my kids to be honest, my lad has started playing Rugby and he’s going to get to see this and experience it, and I want to do it in front of him. Their faces at the Semi Final, I’ve got some special pictures with my family after the game so I want to take it that little bit further and get some pictures with the Challenge Cup with them as well.”

He added: “To do it again, it’s a special thing. Some players go through their career and don’t win any so the opportunity do this for a second time is massive. They went in 2017 and unfortunately didn’t get the win but it’s a long stint for a Club like Wigan to not win the Challenge Cup so it’s something that we’re striving for.”

Summarising, the Centre said: “I didn’t think I’d be doing this, 12 months ago it was a totally different place, scenario. It’s been a bit unreal, I’m definitely looking forward to it and hopefully take my chances.”

Tickets for the Betfred Challenge Cup Final are available online HERE, over the phone on 0333 003 5935 and in-Store at Robin Park Arena (open 10am-4pm Monday-Saturday). Please note that the DW Stadium Ticket Office is not selling any tickets for the Final. For more information including pricing, hospitality and travel – click HERE.