Adam Keighran’s week that taught him massive Challenge Cup lesson.
Wigan’s Adam Keighran will make his belated Wembley debut this Saturday.
Adam Keighran will finally get his shot at Wembley glory on Saturday after being forced to watch Wigan’s Challenge Cup final triumph from the sidelines in 2024.
The Aussie centre was suspended for the Warriors’ 18-8 victory over Warrington two years ago, with his replacement Zach Eckersley announcing himself on the big stage with the opening try.
Keighran is now set to make his belated Challenge Cup final debut against Hull KR in the capital, admitting the competition’s importance only truly hit home following his move from Catalans.
“I probably didn’t understand the hype around it until I came here,” he admitted.
“I didn’t play a game in the Challenge Cup at Catalans, I missed out on one of those games through injury and we didn’t go any further than that game.
“Then I came over here, we spoke about it being a big thing and then you play the first game, you start getting a bit closer to the final and then you start winning a few games and that week, you could tell what it meant to the club and the town.
“I’ve got neighbours that are decades-long Wigan supporters, they know how big it is and they always talk about it. I’m an Aussie but I’ve played at the club long enough to understand the DNA of the club, what they’re about and the culture of it.”
Keighran, 29, will now line up alongside Wigan academy product Eckersley under the famous Wembley arch, with the pair combining for 27 tries in all competitions so far this season.
“He did a good job,” said Keighran of Eckersley’s Wembley bow. “I think that sort of built our relationship to be honest. We got pretty close that week, we were doing everything together but I wasn’t telling him anything new.
“He went out, he did what he had to do, and that was more than enough. He got the job done, got the try and the rest is history.
“Everything amplifies during these weeks and it’s exciting to be a part of. It’s about not getting caught up in it. I dare say I will probably get a bit nervous this week at some point, but you’ve just got to relish and enjoy it.”