Wellens: up for the Challenge

We're preparing for the Hull we've played over the last few years, not the Hull lying 11th in the table.

Paul Wellens
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Paul Wellens insists there is no chance of St Helens underestimating Hull in Saturday's Challenge Cup final.

Saints are red-hot favourites to complete a hat-trick of Cup victories at Wembley against a side second from bottom in the Super League, but full-back Wellens says there is no question of complacency creeping in.

"We know Hull are a great side," he said. "They are probably a top-four team with everybody fit and playing well.

"We're preparing for the Hull we've played over the last few years, not the Hull lying 11th in the table because the personnel has not changed that much. They've got internationals throughout their squad.

"We've got quality in our team as well and I think it's more about concentrating on what we can do rather than worrying about Hull."

Wellens shared the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match with Leon Pryce in Saints' win over Catalans Dragons a year ago and is relishing a return to the game's biggest stage.

"I'm really excited and looking forward to it," he added. "The older you get, the more you appreciate it. It's going to be a special weekend.

Expectation

"People expect so much - we've created that expectation with the way we've been performing in recent years - but that's a good place to be.

"We've got players used to performing on the big stage and hopefully that will work in our favour."

Saints are aiming to become only the second team - alongside local rivals Wigan - to complete a hat-trick of cup final triumphs.

"Last year was difficult for us because nobody expected Catalans to win," former Man of Steel Wellens said. "There was so much pressure around us in the build-up and there was more relief than anything at the end of the game.

"We're on a winning streak at the moment and we're doing the right things and preparing well."