Hull 0 - Wigan 16: Sam Tomkins try brightens final gloom

The match had been notable for Iain Thornley’s precisely-executed first-half try and Hull FC’s glut of handling errors, but little else.

In the last minute, with cherry and white ribbons being tied to the trophy, Wigan’s Australian stand-off Blake Green delivered a clever kick towards Hull’s 10m line. Sam Tomkins arrived at pace to catch the ball and scamper past four Hull defenders for his 34th try of the season.

He was soon buried under a heaving mass of team-mates. Wigan had won rugby league’s famous old cup for a record-extending 19th time and Tomkins had fulfilled a childhood dream by scoring in a Challenge Cup final.

The reigning Man of Steel said: “It means everything because we know the tradition of the cup and so do the tens of thousands of fans behind me. They deserve it because we’re a big club who demand success.”

Only when the questioning turned to where his future lay did Tomkins’ smile fade.

“I’m here to play in a final and enjoy it with these lads,” he added curtly. “I’m not here to talk about my future.”

For all his denials, it is understood that a lucrative switch to NRL outfit New Zealand Warriors at the end of the year has been agreed. The dream for Tomkins would be to sign off by helping Wigan to a Challenge Cup and Grand Final double before lifting the World Cup with England in the autumn.

Tomkins could be joined in the national side by team-mate Matty Smith. The scrum-half, 26, won the coveted Lance Todd Trophy on Saturday for his astute display of tactical kicking.

Such direction was vital in the greasy conditions but there was no mistaking Wigan’s collective spirit either, as Shaun Wane savoured his first trophy as coach of his hometown club.

Smith played with Wayne Rooney in the junior ranks at Everton and has one England cap. But Wane said: “That performance should earn Matty another England call-up. He was the difference.”

Hull 0 - Wigan 16: Sam Tomkins try brightens final gloom