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Scott Taylor wants to send Gareth Ellis out a Challenge Cup winner, and create history for Hull

Scott Taylor celebrates Hull FC's win over Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final
Image: Scott Taylor celebrates Hull FC's win over Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final

Scott Taylor is excited by the prospect of sending Gareth Ellis out as a Challenge Cup winner and helping cement the current Hull team's place as one of the greatest in the club's history.

The Black and Whites edged Warrington in last year's final to win the cup at Wembley for the first time, and are aiming to become the first Hull side to retain the trophy.

Veteran back-rower Ellis will lead the team out on Saturday and his impending retirement has given Hull extra motivation to beat Wigan, the team that whitewashed the Airlie Birds in the 2013 final.

Buy Challenge Cup final tickets now
Buy Challenge Cup final tickets now

Tickets to Saturday's Challenge Cup final are still available, buy yours here

"He's an absolute legend of the game and it's been an honour to play the last couple of years of his career with him," said Taylor.

"If anyone deserves to go out with a few trophies, it's him. I can't speak highly enough of him and the boys are really fired up to send him out lifting that cup again.

Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis with the Challenge Cup trophy in 2016
Image: Hull FC captain Gareth Ellis with the Challenge Cup trophy in 2016

"It'd be unbelievable to win back-to-back Challenge Cups because I don't think a Hull team has done it.

"We've got the chance to go to the Grand Final this year as well. We could arguably cement ourselves as one of the greatest Hull FC teams in history.

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"To have your name associated with that team, it's what I took the game up for as a kid."

Taylor was in the Wigan side that beat Hull 16-0 at Wembley four years ago and got his hands on the Super League trophy just six weeks later.

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We spoke to the coaches and captains from both Hull FC and Wigan ahead of Saturday's Challenge Cup final.

His hometown club are aiming to emulate Wigan's achievement this year but Taylor knows first-hand how difficult it is to defeat the 19-time winners in a Challenge Cup final.

"I went there to win trophies and I did the double in the first year," said the England prop.

"I had people like Lockers [Sean O'Loughlin] helping me overcome my nerves and they'll be doing the same for their young lads this time.

"They've been there and done it. They were the Grand Final winners last year and are a top, top team. It's going to be a really tough game for us.

Stars hoping to shine at Wembley
Stars hoping to shine at Wembley

Wigan and Hull's stars are relishing the chance to shine at Wembley

"They've got a lot of experience, they peak at the right time and have match-winners all over their team - from Sam Tomkins to George Williams, Micky McIlorum, Joe Burgess and Sean O'Loughlin.

"They've got internationals all over the park and you know no matter what happens you're in for a right battle.

"Waney [Shaun Wane] gets their pack fired up. They're all tough and in your faces for 80 minutes.

"I'd say a Wigan pack is one of the toughest you'll play against in your career."

George Williams is congratulated after scoring Wigan's third try against Leeds
Image: Taylor lauded the talented Wigan squad ahead of Saturday's final

While the Warriors warmed up for Wembley by easing past Salford to move to within a point of Super League's top four, Hull were comfortably beaten by Huddersfield on home soil.

"If we want to get a home semi-final, that performance on Friday night wasn't acceptable," said Taylor, who sat out the match.

"But if we win on Saturday people might be saying it was a blessing in disguise and the kick up the backside we needed."

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