Rankings: Warrington 22-14 Hull FC

On a day like this it is very hard to rank the players as I'm so pleased with them all, and even the ones who rank towards the bottom of the list can be really proud of their performance. Alas, the show must go on, so here are my rankings...


1) Stefan Ratchford
His first game in nine weeks, having only found out on Friday that he was playing, and he puts in a virtuoso performance. Our attack was so much more threatening with Ratchford, who creates space and a platform for players to run into, and offers a killer pass. Brilliant defensive display too, with a number of good tackles, confident catches of the high ball and plenty of good runs from dummy half. Delighted that he's back - that game shows what he brings and what we've missed. It's no coincidence that we put in our best attacking and defensive showing as soon as he returns.

2) Blake Austin
It was the biggest game of the season and Austin more than turned up for it. He managed the game brilliantly from the first moment, with a splendid kicking game that had FC in trouble time after time. Absolutely delightful kick to assist Toby King's try as well. Loved seeing him geeing up the fans in the final nervy moments. What a guy.

3) Mike Cooper
So often in big games we say that Wire lose the forward battle and don't compete in the pack. This time, it was the other way round. The forwards in primrose and blue were outstanding and completely dominant. Hill and Cooper set the foundations early on and FC couldn't live with it.

4) Daryl Clark
Another massive performance from Clark, who just never seems to let his level drop. Runs from dummy half, brilliant passes and another world-class defensive shift. A genuine rugby league phenomenon. 

5) Jack Hughes
I've been very critical of Hughes lately after some poor displays, but he put in a tremendous showing in this one, full of determination and discipline. The back row was absolutely solid and if we can get Hughes back to his 2018 form, we have more of a chance. Great to see.

6) Toby King
King was superb at centre, chasing hard even from his own kicks, and also grabbed his obligatory semi-final try with a great leap and finish. Big performance after a stinking one last week.

7) Ben Currie
It gave me whole load of joy to see Currie score a massive Challenge Cup try against FC after the agony of the 2016 Final. A majestic finish for the second Wire try and you could tell how much that meant to him. Also a lovely assist for Goodwin's try.

8) Tom Lineham
An outstanding defensive shift from Lineham. Worked his socks off to be first man in the tackle, time after time. The only blemish on his day was getting rinsed for pace by Ratu Naulago, but he won't be the last person that happens to. Would've had a try of his own had Goodwin spotted him shortly before Goodwin himself scored.

9) Chris Hill
I've been hugely critical of Hill's leadership and captaincy this season, but that was a captain's performance full of heart. He and Cooper dominated the pack in the first 20 minutes or so and that was extremely important to the rest of the game. Should've done better for Taylor's try.

10) Joe Philbin
Really nice to see a product of the academy scoring the final try to send us to Wembley. Philbin had a big impact off the bench and was key in Wire winning the forwards battle. Did really well to finish that try, too.

11) Declan Patton
A very good performance from Patton. He was involved in the game and saw plenty of the ball as always, and set up Currie's try with an excellent kick. Helped to control the game in the second-half alongside Austin.

12) Jason Clark
Probably the best he's done for Wire so far. Started at 13 again and was involved in the thick of things from very early, making tackle after tackle, and was just as important at the end of the game too. First time I've been properly impressed with him.

13) Jake Mamo
So much anxiety in the crowd when a high ball goes up towards Mamo, but he dealt with them fairly well. As I was saying in the week, Mamo will be a far better winger than full back. 

14) Bryson Goodwin
Grabbed the first try after a brilliant ball wide from Currie, sending the Wire end into raptures. Should've set Lineham up for a try moments earlier. Apart from that though, was fairly quiet and went down hurt towards the end.

15) Ben Murdoch-Masila
Certainly had a good impact on the game from the bench, his first game in a few weeks. Wasn't as influential as some others, but I loved the emotion on him at the end. Clearly means a lot.

16) Matt Davis
I feel really harsh ranking Davis this low, as he genuinely was good in his time on the pitch, but the nature of the system is that someone has to be low down, even in great performances. Davis is underrated and brings a lot of energy to the team.

17) Lama Tasi
We literally didn't use him. Got through to the final with a man less than FC (though to be fair, I'm not sure they actually used Jake Connor). Surely that's a big enough indicator that he's not good enough for us and will be moved on at the end of the year?

Proud of every single one of them. Proud of Steve Price too. What a great day.

It's always our year.

Daniel (@aloosewire)