SOMEWHERE among the tens of thousands of Warringtonians that packed out Wembley to see their side end a 35-year trophy drought was one of their current stars.
And given how he was dressed on the day, a 10-year-old Danny Walker would certainly have been easy to spot!
Fast forward 15 years and the hooker is back on hallowed ground only this time, he will be a key part of the Warrington Wolves side wanting to make its own history.
For a dyed-in-the-wool Warringtonian, it is the stuff of dreams.
“When we got there in 2009 and for the two we got to after that, we went to all three of them as a family,” he recalled.
“I remember in 2009, I went with my mate and we dressed as the 118 Men! I’ve got that photo somewhere so I’m sure that will come out at some point this week.
“There’s loads of memories of being at Wembley when I was a kid going as a fan, and then going in 2019 even though I didn’t play in that one.
“It’s going to be so exciting, not just for me but for my family.
“It doesn’t get much better. It’s going to be a really tough game for us but for the neutrals, it’s going to be an incredible watch.
“Both teams are in really good form – we’re going to go out there and give it absolutely everything to bring that silverware home.”
As the 24-year-old dummy-half alluded to, he does have experience of a Wembley win from the inside as well as the exterior.
Having joined the club from Widnes Vikings that year, Walker was a non-playing squad member for the memorable 2019 victory over St Helens – the last time Wire won, or even competed for, a trophy.
Indeed, his most eye-catching contribution for the day was dunking an ice bucket over head coach Steve Price’s head as the full-time hooter sounded and the celebrations began.
“He ended up getting me back,” Walker remembers with a smile.
“We went to Mr Lao’s for a meal on the Monday, he came up behind me and got me with a jug of water!
“I didn’t mind it – I was still half-cut so it woke me up a little bit!
“That memory is making me hungrier. I was part of the squad but I didn’t feel like I was part of the win, so to speak.
“I didn’t want to touch the trophy or anything like that because it seemed like bad luck.
“I spoke to Bennie Westwood about the whole experience and Joe Philbin too – they were telling me about not playing the game too early in your head and not getting too fired up until the right time.
“I’ll take those experiences from lads who have been here and done it.”
Walker was a try-scorer during the semi-final victory over Huddersfield Giants last month to help set up a chance to live out his Wembley dreams.
However, there were still hurdles to clear and he admits keeping the cup final away from the forefront of his mind was tough.
“You’ve always got it in the back of your mind,” he said.
“For me, it’ll be my first time playing there so it’s been tough not to think about it.
“Especially in the Catalans game – it got a little bit feisty towards the end and you’ve got to be a little bit careful.
“I remember one point near the end, me and Ben Garcia had a bit of an altercation and Matty Nicholson came running in shouting “Wembley! Wembley!” It’s always in the back of your head.”
“It's half sinking in now. Whenever I think about it, I get butterflies and the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
“I think when we’re in the tunnel ready to walk out there, that’s when it’s really going to hit me. I can’t describe how excited I am.”
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