SATURDAY’S Challenge Cup Final will be decided by the packs, says Wire second-rower Jack Hughes.

Wolves and final opponents Catalans Dragons have two of Super League’s most impressive sets of forwards and they will go toe-to-toe at Wembley Stadium for the famous trophy.

The Dragons’ formidable middle unit contains the likes of skipper Remi Casty, Sam Moa and Michael McIlorum among others and Hughes says containing them will go a long way to deciding who gets to take the Challenge Cup home.

Runaway Super League leaders St Helens were dominated by the Catalans forwards as the French side shocked them in the semi-finals – something Hughes says must not happen to Warrington.

“It’s going to be tough very good, physical packs going toe-to-toe,” he told the Guardian.

“Whichever pack sustains and prolongs it the most will win the game.

“For us, the game started on Tuesday morning.

“If you can nail everything you can control individually, it goes a long way to helping the team on Saturday.

“We’ll take each training session as it comes and then on Friday and Saturday, we’ll really focus up.”

The 26-year-old will be part of a team heading to the Challenge Cup Final for the third time, but he only got on the field on one of those occasions.

While he played in The Wire’s 12-10 loss to Hull FC in 2016, he travelled to two finals with former club Wigan.

Hughes was not named in the 19-man squad for the 2011 final and was 18th man for the Warriors’ win in 2013.

This year, he hopes for an altogether different experience and revealed that his family will be heading to north London in big numbers.

“Wembley Week is definitely a special one,” he said.

“You don’t get too many chances to do it in your career.

“As expected, the intensity of training has been through the roof.

“We’ve nailed our sessions and everything is building very nicely.

“There’s no motivation needed. That takes care of itself.

“I think out of the whole squad, I’ve got the most extra tickets for my family. It’s costing me a fortune!

“The support from them is great, though. They travel everywhere with me so it’s a good day out for them.”

Hughes is Wolves’ only remaining ever-present this year after appearing in all 29 of the club’s games in all competitions.

Barring any late injuries, he will take up his familiar right second-row spot on Saturday.

He has established himself as one of the leaders of this Wire team and he says he is thriving on the extra responsibility given to him by head coach Steve Price.

However, Hughes has told fans they can expect to see more from him.

“I’ve still got a lot more growing up and growing as a player to do,” he said.

“I’m loving being part of it and I’m still learning off senior players.

“I put a lot of it down to Pricey. He puts a lot of responsibility on me when game day comes.

“I’m thriving on it at the moment and it’s bringing the best out of me.

“It is a great team we’ve got together, both on and off the field, and hopefully we can do something special this weekend.”