Jack Welsby hopes St Helens semi is the last stop on Leigh’s Wembley quest

JACK Welsby admits he may have once described Leigh as ‘just a bus stop in Wigan’ as he aims to end their journey towards Wembley.

Coming from the Leopards’ neighbouring town, the St Helens full back has heard all the taunts levelled at the area standing in front of him and a return to the national stadium.

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Jack Welsby hopes to ruin Leigh’s Wembley hopes as St Helens eye Challenge Cup successCredit: SWPIX.COM

When he was younger, the main one may have even come out of his mouth but despite being just 22-years-old all that is behind him.

Now he is fully focused on what he needs to do as he is growing into the role of a senior player, despite his tender years.

Welsby, who hails from the Shevington area, said: “As a Wigan fan when I was a kid, I would probably have said Leigh’s just a bus stop in Wigan.

“I remember watching the rivalry as a kid. It was brilliant. I’m sure it’ll be pretty fierce today.

“And they’ve definitely not been just a bus stop this year, they’ve been one of the best teams in Super League.

“When we played them at the start, the occasion they put on really made us feel under the pump. When Saints play Warrington, it’s not technically a derby but it feels like one, it’s the same with Leigh.

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“They’ve been outstanding and their left edge is potent. They’ve got brilliant outside backs who are really tough to handle if you’re not on your game.”

Welsby and his St Helens team-mates have the responsibility of trying to make sure James Roby gets a Wembley appearance in his final season after a head knock ruled him out of today.

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The England star, however, has learned how to bring the best out of himself on the biggest stages as the Leopards look for a first final since 1971.

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Welsby believes Saints are facing one of the best sides this yearCredit: SWPIX.COM

He added: “The team wants to do Robes justice without him being on the field.

“And I’m a bit more relaxed than I was in my first semi-final. I’ve always been relaxed on the field but in the build up to occasions like this, I’ve got my routine now and I know what works for me.

“There are a lot fewer nerves. When I was coming up, I didn’t want to make any mistakes. Now I just play my rugby, I do me.

“It’s about making sure what I can do. I try to take the pressure off myself as much as I can. Full back’s a very pressurised position but the happier I feel, the better I perform.”