But after the latter received a three-ban following his red card for dangerous contact against Warrington last week, Eckersley got his chance: and he took it with both hands.
The 20-year-old academy product produced a fine display at Wembley, scoring a try in Wigan‘s 18-8 success against Warrington under the famous arch.
“Matt called me on Monday night and told me that I was playing,” Eckersley said. “Since then, it was just excitement. I was buzzing to play at a place like Wembley and in a Challenge Cup final.
“It was nice to know that he trusted me to play. It made me relax, and since that call, I was just buzzing to play.
“You don’t want to get too ahead of yourself. You take the week as it comes, and try to be relaxed. It’s a massive occasion, but it’s a game of rugby. I knew when the whistle came that I’d relax. But I was nervous until the whistle kicked us off. I was really looking forward to it throughout the week.
“I’ve been talking to a few people and the thing that comes to my head is just enjoying every second of it. It’s a great group of lads.
“Adam missed out, but he’s helped me all week and supported me through everything. I feel bad for him, but I’m glad I managed to get the win for the boys and for him as well because he had played every game. I loved every second (of it).
“Adam gave me different pointers during the week. In training playing 13 on 13, he’s been my opposite centre this week. He’s been challenging me in different areas and then after, any extras I wanted to do he’s been helping me. He’s been first class and I appreciate everything he’s done for me.
“This morning when I woke up I was nervous. But if you’re not nervous, I think it doesn’t mean anything to you. Nervous energy is good energy, and I was buzzing to play with the boys.”
Eckersley formed a solid combination on the right edge, playing alongside Lance Todd Trophy winner Bevan French as well as towering back-rower Junior Nsemba and reliable winger Abbas Miski.
“Bevan is an outstanding player, one of the best player in the world,” Eckersley added. “He talked to me all the time throughout the game and I gave him chat back.
