WILL JUBB has hailed the “absolutely unbelievable experience” of representing York City Knights at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

York played at Wembley for the first time since 1931 in the weekend’s 1895 Cup final defeat to Featherstone Rovers.

For players like Jubb, who were playing for the Knights in League One only three years ago, the opportunity to play at the country’s national stadium was an incredible opportunity.

“It was an absolutely unbelievable experience and a massive privilege to be able to play there because not many people get the chance to do that,” said the hooker.

“I’m very thankful for getting that chance. Getting to play there was a great achievement in itself.

“Growing up, you watch your heroes playing on pitches like that so to be able to get out on that field was something that I will never forget.”

Jubb explained that the York players and backroom staff were allowed to walk around Wembley the day before the cup final, which was a special experience for the squad.

“We got to look around Wembley and get some pictures on the pitch and look around the changing rooms,” he said.

“It was a little bit surreal because it was a little bit like being on a stadium tour as a kid, but we were there knowing that the next day we’d be there playing.

“It was quite a surreal experience and it made it seem very real. But, looking around at the stadium, it was like being a little kid again.”

Playing at a 90,000-seater stadium was by far the largest ground that many of the York squad, including Jubb, had played at before.

Asked whether there were any extra pre-match nerves, the former Hull Kingston Rovers forward replied: “There were a few before the game, but I think that’s a good thing because it means that you’re ready to play.

“I was just excited to be honest. And once the game starts, it’s just like any other game and you’ve just got to get on with the job.

“We were definitely able to hear the crowd and take in the atmosphere.

“It was absolutely unbelievable to be able to play at a place like that and an honour to play there.”

The game looked in serious doubt after Featherstone reported a number of coronavirus cases in the days leading up to the match. It was only around four hours beforehand that the final was officially confirmed as being on after more last-minute testing.

“It was strange but it’s been a strange year,” Jubb said of the build-up.

“I was devastated for the lads that were told that they couldn’t play, for both teams. That can’t have been easy for them.

“We were just thankful that the game managed to go ahead.

“Everyone did everything that they could to make sure that the game was played.”

Featherstone eventually prevailed 41-34 in a hugely thrilling match which featured 13 tries.

“Hopefully it was a good advert for rugby league for everyone that got to see it,” added Jubb.

“There are some really good players and really good teams in the Championship.

“The standard of rugby is really good and to be able to be part of showing that was brilliant.”

The hope around York is that the Knights can now build on the positives shown against the unbeaten Betfred Championship pace-setters.

York are on a run of six straight defeats in the league and find themselves just one place above the relegation spots.

The home match against Swinton Lions on Sunday (3pm) appears to be a must-win.

Jubb insisted. “We’ll try and use that game as a springboard. We’ve got some tough games coming up and we really need to be putting our best foot forward.

“Hopefully we can start turning these good performances into wins.

“We’ve got a lot of experienced players and Fordy is doing a great job with showing us what we need to do better, working on things in training and giving us confidence that we can do that.

“It’s down to us, we need to keep working hard and the results will come.”