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Tommy Makinson to fulfil career ambition as deadly finisher looks to perform on biggest stage
SAINTS winger Tommy Makinson will fulfil a career ambition when he steps out on to the hallowed turf at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
Makinson, a Grand Final winner in 2014 and last year's Golden Boot winner, says a Challenge Cup final has been an occasion he has wanted to be a part of.
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“It’s the first time for me obviously never having been involved in a Wembley trip before," said the 27-year-old.
"I’ve only been there as a spectator, only once when I watched Saints against Catalans in 2007. It was something special to say the least and Saints winning as well was even better.
“I went to the old Wembley watching Wigan a few times in Challenge Cup finals and at Murrayfield as a kid in the great era for Wigan and Saints back then and watching all the successful teams lift them trophies, your heroes.
“Hopefully one day that can be me and we’ve got a good chance on Saturday.
“It’s definitely something I’ve wanted to play in all my career, obviously the history of the sport this is probably the biggest game in the calendar for rugby league, a Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
"There’s just something about it that it just doesn’t come any bigger and it’s going to be a good test on Saturday.
“We have been buzzing for a while. We’ve had a good month since the semi-final and now the big one’s arrived and it’s just special.
“It hits home to you when you see people on the streets and you see people wishing you luck and obviously the flags and support everywhere. Our fans are absolutely sensational. It’s 11 years since we’ve been at the Challenge Cup final and this one’s for them so hopefully we can enjoy it with them.â€
For Makinson it has been a long journey since scoring the winning try for Saints at Old Trafford in 2014.
Having missed much of 2015 and 2016 through serious injuries, he is determined to grab his chance with both hands on Saturday.
“I did my ACL and my ankle and was out for two seasons and they just make these times even more special.
"You never know what’s around the corner with rugby league. It’s a tough sport and so many people can tell you that. When a final comes round and you’re playing in it you’ve just got to snatch it with both hands and that’s something I’ll be doing.â€
Makinson says the side is ready to give it their all and has hailed the spirit in the camp leading up the big day.
“We played Thursday so we’ve had a lot of time to recover and the spirit in the camp is unbelievable. Obviously we’ve not been there in a long time and we just want to make the most of it and give it our absolute all.
"Obviously Warrington didn’t play their best last week but they’re such a quality side riddled with talent, internationals all over the shop. It’s going to be a tough one.
“I’ve played in a lot of big games and obviously big games stand you in good stead and that goes for everyone. This is what you live for, as a player you want to be involved in the biggest of games where the biggest pressure comes and it’s certainly something I’m looking forward to.
“I feel we have to win some trophies, it’s pointless being 16 points in front and just winning the League Leaders’ Shield, I know it’s a good accolade.
"But for us we set out to win the two main things this year and just like every other big club that’s what you want to do and I think if we don’t win a trophy it’s not a successful year for us."