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On what is a huge day in the Rugby League Calendar, the Challenge Cup final returns to Wembley as Leigh Leopards take on Hull KR under the famous arch.
It’ll be an occasion to saviour as the Challenge Cup finalist will be joined as tradition by the finalist of the 1895 Cup. And for the first time in history, the day will see a triple header as the Women’s challenge cup final kicks the action off in the capital.
The men’s Challenge Cup will take centre stage in the middle of the day with an expected crowd of over 60,000.
Hull KR will be going into the clash as the fresher of the two squads after they rested a number of key faces for their Super League clash with Wigan Warriors last time out.
But Leigh certainly carry the momentum after Adrian Lam took the brave decision to stick with his main first teamers who thankfully came out unscathed from their 6-13 victory over Leeds Rhinos in West Yorkshire.
Both teams had tough challenges to get to this stage of the competition and will certainly make it a spectacle of a final.
Leigh kicked the weekend off as they beat Word Champions St Helens at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in a game which sparked controversy in relation to a number of tackles from John Asiata.
But then it was Hull KR who took their leap into the final at Headingley as they edged past Wigan Warriors in a brutal clash which saw Joe Shorrocks controversially sent off just minutes into the second half.
However, with both teams certainly deserving of a final spot, the hope is that the talent on the pitch can be the focal point of the final with a rightful winner.
Last year’s competition held a great finale as a back and forth game between Wigan and Huddersfield Giants ended in a narrow victory for the Warriors who stole the show at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And with two new finalists, we’re guaranteed a new title holder for at least another year as both sides descend on Wembley way with dreams ready to be made and slashed.
In terms of team news, Ryan Hall has been named in the Rovers side after being a possible doubt for the big finale.
He’s joined in what is virtually a full strength side for Willie Peters, putting aside the long-term absentees.
Here’s how the Rovers look ahead of final day:
Here's your Challenge Cup Final SQUAD. ??#UpTheRobins ?⚪️ pic.twitter.com/mth0zwMZRz
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) August 10, 2023
As for Adrian Lam’s side who look for a first Challenge Cup since 1971 as well becoming the first side to go from 1895 Cup Winners to Challenge Cup Final winners, they’ve only managed to name a 20-man squad ahead of the trip to the capital.
With new signing Oliver Gildart unavailable for selection, Leigh name former Challenge Cup winners Tom Briscoe, Zak Hardaker and Josh Charnley in their squad with glory in their sights.
Here’s the squad in full:
Ladies and Gents…Your Leopards Challenge Cup Final Squad. ???#betheroar #leythers pic.twitter.com/tzG0ib051T
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) August 10, 2023
For those who aren’t making the trip to London, the men’s final will be televised on BBC1 with a 3pm kick off.
The women’s Challenge Cup final kicks the day off at 11:50am with the 1895 Cup Final beginning at 5:30pm.
We’ll have full match coverage via @JKnowlesSport on Twitter with minute by minute updates and immediate full time reaction from both coaches post match.
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