You used to play for Leigh then now the mighty wire what are the differences in your training now

Tracy Walmsley

We were part time at Leigh, so we were training at night. In some respects it’s harder, because I had a day job and then I had to go training. I’ve got full admiration for lads down in the National League who are on sites and things like that during the day and go training after work.

Luckily for me, I was a personal trainer at a gym so it was pretty kushdi for me. We had lads who had been on sites from half 6 in the morning until half 4 in the afternoon and would then come to training. It’s tough work.

If you could play any other position that Prop for the mighty wire where would you like to play? I’d like to see you on the wing like Vainikolo because I know you have some secret speed in them legs!

Stuart Hitchen

I don’t know about that! I’m not sure I’d want to play anywhere else as they are all tough gigs.

I wouldn’t mind a go at goal-kicking. I nearly put my hand up a few weeks ago!

Over the past few weeks or so, you seem to be getting a bit of a “bad boy” reputation from opposing fans and certain TV commentators. Are you aware of this and has Chris Hill become more “ruthless” under Steve Price?

Barry Walmsley

I’m not really concerned what people think of me. I’m on the field to do a job.

We’re not playing tiddly-winks, are we? Being aggressive is part of the sport.

I think we’ve become ruthless as a team. Over the last few years we’ve been known for being flamboyant and throwing the ball around, but Steve has come in and steadied our defence and put a bit of steel into us.

What has been your best ever moment playing at Wembley?

Lewis Heaton

Obviously winning it in 2012, but 2016 was special for me even though we lost because I got to walk out with my eldest.

We didn’t win, but to walk out with my son was pretty special.

I would like to ask Chris if the players food is as good at Warrington as it was when he was at Leigh

John Forbes

Is he the chef here? Might have to be careful with that one!

To be fair, that’s how I met my wife! She used to do the catering at Warrington when I first started.

Who is your most difficult opponent you have come up against and who is your biggest inspiration?

Robert Gleave

Most difficult opponent is probably Greg Inglis. I think he’s the same weight as me but he can shift.

My biggest inspiration is probably my parents. They did all the little things like stand in muddy fields in places like Saddleworth watching me play.

They still do it now with my kids, taking them training and going to watch them play.

Have you any pre-match superstitions for big games such as Wembley – certain meal, lucky socks or music choices?

Martin Taylor

I don’t have superstitious meals, I know a few of the boys do.

The only set thing I have is that the assistant coach pulls my shirt on. It’s Hendo’s job this year!

If you could only pick one, which game would get you most want to win – a Wembley Cup final, a Super League Grand Final or a World Cup final with England?

Nathan Okell

I reckon a World Cup. It only comes every four years and you’re playing against the best.

I know we haven’t won a Grand Final and I’m gagging to win one, but you get a chance at that every year. World Cups are few and far between.

If you could pick any team to play in a Challenge Cup final who would you pick – a lower league side for hopefully an easier game, one of the top teams to really test yourself or your former side Leigh?

Susan Whitehead

I’d go with playing Leigh, just because I’ve spent so long there and I’d like to see them doing well.

What are the days leading up to Wembley like for a player? How are things different?

Mike James

They’re unbelievable. We spoke about that before the semi. The intensity will go up in training in the week before and there will be a real buzz.

You see the flags hanging out of windows and off cars around the towns, then the send-off when we leave for London is special.

Which of your teammates would you least like to room with for Wembley weekend and why? Do you know who you’ll be rooming with?

Darren Carter

Bennie Westwood, because he snored. I did three weeks with him in Australia for my first pre-season in 2012 and I didn’t sleep a wink.

Hopefully I’ll get my own room for Wembley. Captain’s quarters!

Are you still enjoying the captaincy role and have you pictured yourself lifting the cup?

Matt Webster

I had pictures with Remi Casty for promos alongside the cup. I didn’t look at it or touch it!

It was Pricey who was telling me “don’t you be touching that cup!”

What’s it like walking out of the tunnel at Wembley and being faced with all the noise and colour?

Joanna Nesbitt

It’s unbelievable, especially as captain. It’s such a real honour, not just for me but for my family.

My mum and Dad will be there, so will my wife’s Mum and Dad. My good friends and their kids as well, my brother too. Those kinds of days are special. These are the days we play rugby for.

It’s why we go to places like Batley or Dewsbury away in the early rounds.

As a professional sportsman how do you mentally prepare yourself for the really big games like the Challenge Cup Final. What do you say to yourself in the week before the game and then on game day?

Russell Jones

It’s not any other game, but you have to prepare like it is. You have to play the game and not the occasion, because the occasion can ruin you.

When we get to Wembley, we’re playing Catalans and not the entire day. Do your routines, do everything as normal, stick to the gameplans and we’ll win the game.