Hull FC given huge send-off ahead of Challenge Cup final

Hull FC have been given a huge send off as the team departs for Wembley for their Challenge Cup final clash!

Hundreds of fans turned out at the KCOM to wave off the Black and Whites.

They're hoping to become the first Hull FC side to EVER retain the Challenge Cup by beating Wigan Warriors on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Lee Radford expressed the hope even before the amateur clubs had got the 2017 tournament under way that his club's long-awaited landmark victory would take the pressure off his players during their trophy defence.

And the black and whites have certainly saved their best performances so far this year for the Challenge Cup. They made a confident start with a 62-0 demolition of an under-strength Catalans Dragons side and went through the gears to dispose of Super League leaders Castleford and 2015 winners Leeds to secure a 17th final appearance.

Hull will also have the ever-impressive Jamie Shaul at full-back and the support of around 20,000 fans at Wembley, most probably outnumbering their Wigan counterparts by two to one, and they undoubtedly helped get their side over the line at Doncaster.

For all that, Wigan are the bookmakers' favourites, no doubt heavily influenced by their proud record in rugby league's famous knockout competition.

Victorious eight years in a row at the height of their powers from 1988 to 1995, the Warriors will make a record-extending 31st Cup final appearance, aiming to extend their record tally of wins to 20.

Wigan have also won a record 17 out of 24 finals at Wembley, including ones against Hull in 1985 and 2013.