Huddersfield enforcer Eorl Crabtree will draw inspiration from the past deeds of his family as he runs out in this weekend's Carnegie Challenge Cup final.

Wembley has always held a special resonance for Crabtree after his grandfather Shirley helped Halifax to get there in 1931 and his uncle, famously known as Big Daddy, wrestled there in his heyday.

Crabtree now wants to create his own piece of family history as the Giants take on Warrington, looking to win the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1953.

"To go to Wembley and win would be a dream come true," said 26-year-old Crabtree.

"There is a lot of history there for me personally, and it is something I have always thought about.

"My uncle and my grandad were there, so I get to follow suit. It's fantastic for me to follow in their footsteps.

"My grandad went down to Wembley with Halifax. He didn't actually play but he went down and got a Challenge Cup winners' medal. I hope I can get one as well.

"I don't know anything about my uncle being there - it was a bit before my time - but I know he went to Wembley, and that's all that matters."

Shirley Crabtree senior, who earned his medal for playing in earlier rounds, made more than 100 appearances for Halifax in the 1930s.

His son, also named Shirley, found fame in wrestling and took on Giant Haystacks at Wembley in one of a number of bouts during his sport's golden era of the 1970s and 1980s.

The third generation Crabtree, instantly recognisable as Super League's tallest player at 6ft 7in, admits playing and winning there himself would easily eclipse anything else he has achieved in the game.

England international Crabtree was a member of the Giants side beaten in the 2006 Challenge Cup final by St Helens at Twickenham, but medals have been restricted to second-tier competitions.

Crabtree said: "I haven't had that many highlights in my career - playing for England, winning the Carnegie Nines, the Buddies Cup final - so this one is going to be pretty special. It will be a massive occasion.

"I'm playing well and enjoying myself, and the team is enjoying itself too.

"I didn't take it all in last time, I was younger and a little bit more nave.

"I ey is not just about rugby, although that is the most important part. For my life experience, this is what dreams are made of."

Crabtree has been in outstanding form this season, and his gargantuan frame has made him the iconic figure of Huddersfield's fine run.

As well as reaching Wembley, the Giants have all but secured a top-four place in Super League after enjoying a remarkable resurgence under new coach Nathan Brown.

Crabtree, a homegrown product and the Giants' longest-serving player after nine seasons, has enjoyed it so much that he recently committed to a new six-year contract.

"I sense the buzz everywhere we go," he said.

"It is looking pretty good at the moment, and we want to make the most of this chance.

"It will be quite hard to match this season. It has been sensational for us.

"Top four most of the year and Challenge Cup final - you'd take that at the start of the year. But we have still got a lot of work to do as well."

Crabtree may stand out as one of the biggest and most powerful players in Super League, but it is for another part of his appearance that he has attracted attention recently - his hair.

Bradford's Semi Tadulala found it too tempting not to grab Crabtree's blond ponytail in a tackle a fortnight ago, and consequently landed a fine.

Crabtree claims he is not concerned another player may now try to restrain him that way - and has no intention of visiting a barber.

He said: "Don't be daft - it's beneficial to the side! We got a penalty for it, and it cost Semi £400 - which I know he is not too pleased about.

"It is part of the game, something you go through. We all get high shots, hit around the nose or whatever. It is all fun and games."