By Amanda Little

Last updated 12:14, Thursday, 24 July 2008

Ewan Dowes has revealed how legendary prop Barrie McDermott saved his career.

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The powerhouse Hull prop turned to the former Great Britain star for advice after losing his way during a difficult 2007 season.

The pair had been team-mates at Leeds Rhinos and few players in the modern era can match the ups and downs of McDermott's rollercoaster career, which has seen him hit the heights of Challenge Cup and Championship glory, but also suffer the agony of acareer-threatening injury, regular brushes with the authorities and the indignity of a loan spell at humble Bramley.

So he was the perfect man for Dowes to turn to for advice and the 27-year-old has credited his prop idol with helping to turn his career around after fearing he would be axed from the side.

Dowes has hit top form for Hull this season and the hard-working prop from Low Hesket, near Carlisle, is hoping to help the Airlie Birds clinch a place in the Challenge Cup final when they face Wakefield Wildcats in Sunday’s semi-final at the Keepmoat Stadium.

He revealed: “There was a spell when I just lost motivation and I couldn’t get up for playing, but I couldn’t understand why.

“I wasn’t enjoying playing and I decided to speak to Barrie, who has been there and done everything. I rang him and asked if I could meet him for a coffee and told him my problems. I hadn’t been able to find any consistent form and the coach was telling me I would have to pick up my game otherwise I would be dumped.

“When it comes to a game, you should be up for it but I was putting in mediocre performances and I was really down.

“I have a very strict routine before games and also with what I eat and Barrie basically advised me to change a few things.

“He told me to vary my diet more and also change my routine. I started to swim the day before games and got out of the house for an hour or two.

“Speaking to Barrie was like a weight off my shoulders and I started picking up form in the last 10 games of the year. I feel much stronger for it. This has been another tough year but I know how to cope with it now, but I still see Barrie for a chat.”

Hull have endured a tough year with injuries, with Dowes himself suffering a medial knee ligament injury, which forced him to miss four games.

But the 2005 Challenge Cup winners have a chance to reach Wembley if they can overcome Wakefield on Sunday.

Dowes said: “If we were to get to Wembley it would make up for a lot as far as the injuries are concerned.

“Sunday is a make-or-break game as if we lost it’s the season over. So much lies on this and it’s a massive game for everyone. There’s a huge incentive to win on Sunday.”