JAMES Donaldson admits he cannot quite believe he will be running out at Wembley against Leeds in this weekend’s Challenge Cup final.

The former Bulls star is set for a place on the bench for Hull KR after an impressive debut campaign which has seen him become a regular in Chris Chester’s side.

Donaldson quit Bradford after last season’s relegation and the move has paid off with an appearance in Saturday’s showdown now beckoning.

He fought back from two career-threatening knee injuries during his time at Odsal and a quiet moment of reflection this week saw him assess his tumultuous journey.

The Cumbrian back-rower told the T&A: “I’ve come a long way in these last few years and it was something I sat down and thought about the other day.

“I’ve started to become the player I wanted to be and I’m really happy with the way things have gone.

“To get to where I am now is extra special after all the dark days I’ve been through and it makes it all worthwhile.

“I’m massively proud of what I’ve achieved because it has been not been easy at all and to get to Wembley is more than anything I ever dreamed of.

“I’ve wanted this since I was a six-year-old playing for Wath Brow Hornets and I don’t think you could have written this script to happen in my first year at Hull KR.”

Donaldson has prospered with the Robins and the 23-year-old added: “I thought coming here was the right decision from day one and my heart was always in Super League.

“I’m really happy with my form and I think I’ve started to kick on with my game.

“I’ve spoken about my attack in the last few years and, although I’m not scoring tries, I’m making metres and getting the team on the front foot with fast play-the-balls.

“I’ve really enjoyed coming off the bench this year. The game is fast and furious at the start but after twenty minutes it slows down a little bit.

“When I come on, I just try and pick the boys up the tempo of the game to give the team a boost in the second half of the first half.

“We had fifteen new players at the start of the season but we all came here to prove a point and to kick on with our careers.

“We’ve bonded from day one and we’re like a bunch of pals playing together, which has made it extra special.

“The likes of Albert Kelly and Terry Campese have been outstanding and I can see the club making big progress in the next few years.”

Jamie Peacock, another Bradford old boy, will join Rovers as football manager when he retires at the end of the season.

Donaldson said: “I was at the recent Bradford-Leigh game at Odsal and I spoke to JP there.

“It’s a really exciting prospect having him join the club with all his professionalism and experience.”

Donaldson will be backed by family, friends and girlfriend at Wembley and he added: “My mum and my girlfriend are my biggest supporters, so they wouldn’t miss it for anything.”