Olly Russell feared wrecking Huddersfield's Cup final chances amid Tui Lolohea nightmare

Olly Russell could “probably” have taken back Challenge Cup final goal-kicking duties but feared wrecking his and Giants’ chances.

Heartbroken Huddersfield lost 16-14 against Wigan in Saturday’s thrilling showpiece.

They were left to rue Tui Lolohea’s FOUR missed kicks from five attempts.

Half-back Russell, 23, is Huddersfield’s usual goal kicker.

But having miraculously overcome a hamstring injury, he didn’t want to risk aggravating it in the biggest 80 minutes of his life.

Asked if he could have stepped in with goal-kicking when things turned sour for Lolohea, he said: “I probably could. Maybe.

“But I think I’d rather be on the field playing than risking doing my hammy again kicking.

“As I’m left-footed, all the pressure’s on my right foot when I’m kicking and that was the one hurt.

“It wasn’t really worth doing a goal kick from a sideline where I’d be striking the ball harder for me to come off and not be part of the final.”

Wayward Lolohea was understandably gutted after Huddersfield missed out on a first Challenge Cup success in 69 years.

But Russell insisted: “That is not the reason we lost.

“That’s all I can say. Tui was one of our best players.

“He’s been great all season and I really enjoy playing with him. “He needs to keep his head up. It’s not his fault at all.

“It hurts so much. Especially being so close. I thought we were miles the better team.

“We kicked them to a corner and did what we did in the semi-final (against Hull KR). But fair play to Wigan.

“They stuck with it. And one play’s the difference between us on the day.”

Liam Marshall’s 77th minute try saw struggling Warriors pull off their rescue act.

Russell’s control and guiding hand had helped put Giants in charge.

But it was remarkable he was even