SAINTS loose forward Jason Hooper will have more reason than most to pinch himself when he runs down the Twickenham tunnel.

Twelve months ago the industrious Aussie's career was up in the air and his stay at Knowsley Road over when Saints' signing of Jason Cayless left no room under the three-man overseas quota.

But Darren Albert's late decision to return Down Under gave the dogged utility player a reprieve.

And it is an opportunity the 28-year-old has grabbed with both hands, dislodging skipper Paul Sculthorpe from the 13 jersey with a string of gutsy performances.

Hooper said: "This time last year it was looking like the end and I was thinking about going to Salford.

"It was a disappointing time but that is the way it goes.

"But this year could not have turned out better for me - and it was capped by getting another two-year deal.

"I have been more consistent this year with the things I am doing and Daniel has given me a role to do."

There were a few raised eye-brows when skipper Sculthorpe returned from his close-season knee operation and took a place in the second row, allowing Hooper to operate at 13.

"I have not necessarily pushed Scully out, it is just that the coach has given him a different running role.

"My game is different - I just try and tidy up, push up, chase and put pressure on the kicker. They are just little things that sometimes get overlooked," he said.

It has not all been plain sailing, and Hooper has had to modify his charge on the kicker after he was sin-binned twice in consecutive weeks earlier this year - and he was rapidly being turned into the game's bad boy if you listened to some media pundits.

"I don't think kickers like playing against me and I have copped a bit of abuse this season.

"I was sin-binned two weeks in a row - so I sat down with Daniel and he has helped change my technique a bit. It has come good since then and had no trouble," he said.

His technique may have subtly changed, but he still possesses that dogged run through a brick wall' style that makes him a formidable if not flashy performer.

Saints will need every ounce of that come Saturday - because final opponents Huddersfield are one of those gritty teams that can prove an awkward handful.

Hooper agreed: "People are saying Huddersfield are underdogs and I guess they are because of the way we are playing. But this is their first Challenge Cup Final for 44 years.

"Their pack is big and strong, they have some good centres and Chris Nero is playing really well so it is going to be tough and tight. It is 13 against 13 so if we don't turn up they are going to knock us off."