Luke Thompson looking forward to Challenge Cup final

Wigan Warriors prop Luke Thompson is looking forward to the Challenge Cup final and avenging defeat.

Transcript

00:00 A special week for the club here.

00:01 What does the week ahead look like for the camp for yourself?

00:04 Yes, massive, obviously.

00:06 The Challenge Cup final speaks for itself.

00:09 Everyone's really looking forward to it.

00:11 Everyone's excited.

00:12 It's a great occasion for the team, the fans, families, everyone.

00:16 So, buzzing to get down there on Saturday.

00:18 What's the mindset in camp?

00:20 Do you almost have to approach it as any other game,

00:22 or take on board the excitement and the build-up that comes with it?

00:25 Yes, sort of.

00:26 I guess it is another game,

00:30 even though we know the magnitude of the game being the final.

00:34 I think early in the week you've just got to treat it as another game

00:36 and go about your preparation as you usually would.

00:39 You sort of don't want to play the game too early on in the week

00:41 and let the emotion get the better of you.

00:43 So, yes, we definitely know it's the final and it's in the back of our minds,

00:47 but we'll go about business as usual and be ready for it on Saturday.

00:52 You've played at Wembley before.

00:53 Can you just sum up the emotions you get as you walk out of the National Stadium?

00:57 Yes, it's just awesome and it's an awesome occasion.

01:00 A big crowd.

01:01 These are the days you remember when you look back on your career

01:04 and you want to make the most of them.

01:08 Yes, I just remember it being an electric atmosphere.

01:12 Unfortunately, last time we played, we didn't get the win,

01:13 but I'll be looking to get the medal this time.

01:17 Yes, extra motivation this time to get your hands on the silverware.

01:21 Yes, definitely. I remember I was pretty depressed for a couple of weeks

01:25 after I lost that one in 2019.

01:27 So, yes, the Challenge Cup winners' medal is definitely one I've got on my bucket list.

01:32 And yourself, obviously you were rested over the weekend at the Halloway Jordan Stadium,

01:36 feeling fresh and fit for the weekend.

01:38 How does that sort of have an advantage to have that sort of week off?

01:41 Yes, definitely.

01:42 The body's feeling good.

01:45 Like you said, I had freshened up and got some good training under the belt.

01:48 So, yes, the body's feeling great and I'm just really excited for the game.