Our combined Challenge Cup XIII – with some big calls included.
Bevan French has been named in Wigan’s extended Wembley squad.
Super League’s biggest stars are set to go head-to-head under the famous Wembley arch on Saturday as they bid to lift the prestigious Challenge Cup trophy.
Mind games are well underway, with both squads having been confirmed on Thursday. Matt Peet has named Bevan French in his travelling squad, giving the Australian a slim chance of making his long-awaited return in the capital. The 2024 Lance Todd Trophy winner has been sidelined since March after suffering a torn hamstring against Toulouse Olympique in Super League.
Meanwhile, Hull KR’s influential forward Dean Hadley has been declared fit to feature after overcoming his own hamstring issue. Jai Whitbread did not travel down with the squad as he awaits the imminent arrival of his child with his partner. However, head coach Willie Peters has not ruled him out completely just yet.
Some of the game’s biggest stars will battle it out in the first-ever Challenge Cup final between Wigan and Hull KR.
We’ve put together a combined XIII from the extended Challenge Cup squads – including French. Six Wigan players make the side, alongside seven representatives from the Robins.
With the most try involvements in Super League so far this season, Mikey Lewis is selected alongside French in the halves, while Joe Burgess and Tom Davies take the wing spots. They are set to come up against rising stars Zach Eckersley and Noah Hodkinson on Saturday.
Jez Litten also gets the nod at hooker ahead of Brad O’Neill, although both could be in contention to represent England at this year’s World Cup.
Elliot Minchella is included at loose forward.
Combined Hull KR-Wigan Challenge Cup XIII
Jai Field
Joe Burgess
Adam Keighran
Jake Wardle
Tom Davies
Mikey Lewis
Bevan French
Tom Amone
Jez Litten
Luke Thompson
Junior Nsemba
Dean Hadley
Elliot Minchella