The Challenge Cup final always seems to throw up fascinating stories. And, although the 2016 final between Hull FC and Warrington at Wembley on 27 August will be one of the most keenly anticipated in years, one man’s story in particular should not be ignored amid the pre-match hype.
In many ways Warrington and Ryan Bailey are a perfect fit. Bailey spent 14 years at his hometown club Leeds, winning every major honour in the sport including the Challenge Cup in his final season there in 2014.
Leaving the Rhinos that year and starting afresh elsewhere proved a difficult transition for him. Failed spells at Hull KR and Castleford last year ended in his taking an enforced break from the game, receiving treatment at the Sporting Chance clinic to treat a battle with depression.
However, the former Great Britain international has thrived at Warrington since joining on a one-year deal, playing an increasingly influential role as the Wolves have bounced back from a difficult season in 2015 when they seemingly lost their place among the sport’s elite.
Following the 56-12 victory against Wakefield on Saturday, which secured a first return to Wembley in four years, Bailey admitted that after the past 12 months there was little doubt where success in the Challenge Cup this season would rank.
“It would be pretty special to win a major trophy again, given everything I’ve been through – and it would be right up there with the best,” he said.
“The Wembley week and the buildup to the final will be an experience I will really savour this year and I’ll be excited and emotional. I can’t wait to get there. With everything that happened last year with me, I considered retirement, so this is a blessing in disguise to get back to a Challenge Cup final.
“I’ll take the opportunity with both hands. I feel like I’ve started to hopefully prove myself again as a player with this group of lads and I’m a firm believer that you get the rewards you deserve if you work hard.”
Under the mentoring of Tony Smith, the Warrington coach who helped to produce Bailey’s best form earlier in his career at Leeds, the prop is once again impressing on the field.
Often perceived as one of the sport’s pantomime villains, Bailey insisted that his happiness off the field after making a fresh start on the other side of the Pennines had helped to rejuvenate his career.
“Being happy in life helps produce good form on the field and I am genuinely happy once again,” Bailey said. “I’ve still got a lot to work on but I’m just blessed to be here and be involved in a team that’s going to Wembley once again. I can’t wait.”
At the age of 31 the forward admitted that he was conscious there were not too many opportunities remaining to play in games of this importance.
“I’m getting old now so this could be my last chance to play there and hopefully lift that cup above my head,” he said. “I’ve got to give my all for the boys.
“It was hard here at first; I came here after a difficult 12 months and then I was laid low with an injury and an infection almost straightaway but I pushed through it and it’s been great since.
“The move has been brilliant. Tony has brought the best out of me again and hopefully I get the call for Wembley when the game comes around.”
