Offiah's relationship with Wembley is a family affair

Martin Offiah is, undoubtedly, one of Rugby League’s all-time greats with four Challenge Cup wins and 501 tries amongst his many accolades - but...

Martin Offiah celebrates 1994 Challenge Cup win

Martin Offiah is, undoubtedly, one of Rugby League’s all-time greats with four Challenge Cup wins and 501 tries amongst his many accolades - but most believe the stand out moment of a glittering career came at Wembley Stadium in 1994.

21 years ago Offiah raced almost the entire length of the pitch to score a quite amazing try for Wigan against Leeds in the Challenge Cup Final.

It was a moment which is remembered throughout the stadium with pictures and even a bar named after it.

The man himself says he finds all the recognition very humbling especially considering some of the company he keeps on the Wembley walls.

“It’s great walking around Wembley, I’ve already seen two pictures of myself on the wall next to Pele, Madonna, and Nelson Mandela,” he laughed.

“Every time I come to Wembley the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.

“I’m always going to be remembered for that try and I’m just honoured and privileged that I was in the right place at the right time to score it.”

Offiah admits he can remember the try “as if it were yesterday” but hopes the memorabilia that exists at Wembley will act as a reminder of his shining moment to future generations.

“I have friends who come to watch gigs here and for them to see the 1994 bar, which is named after my try, and to see the pictures on the wall, it’s great,” he told WembleyStadium.com

“I will bring my kids here to see Challenge Cup Finals, England matches, concerts and they will bring their children and their children will bring their children and so on.

“Wembley will always be a special place for the Offiahs.”

The former Wigan man was in attendance at Wembley for the 2015 Challenge Cup First Round draw and, after seeing Leeds end their Wembley hoodoo last season, Offiah feels they will be a big threat in this season’s competition as well.

“I, unfortunately, played in the last Challenge Cup Final Leeds won [in 1999] at the old Wembley Stadium, so it was a long time between trophies for them. I think they will be looking to have a good run in the cup,” he told us.

“Warrington have got a recent cup pedigree so they are going to be in with a shout so Leeds and Warrington would be my bet.

“But you also can’t look past the likes of Wigan and St Helens, who are the current Super League champions.”

Whoever makes the final, though, Offiah is eagerly anticipating a historic game on 29 August.

“Rugby League has been played here since 1928 - that’s a lot of history.

“This year I think the Challenge Cup Final 120 years since the day in 1895 when the game was first invented.

“So it’s a very special year for rugby league and the Challenge Cup at Wembley.”