Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Hull KR and Wigan clash once again. (Image: SW PIX)
The Challenge Cup final is here as Hull KR and Wigan Warriors battle it out for the first piece of domestic silverware of the year.
Willie Peters’ side are the holders and they are the slight favourites to get their hands on the famous old trophy once more. The Robins are on a nine-game win streak and they thrashed a young Wigan side 62-4 at Craven Park last week.
Wigan know their way around a big final, though, and with Bevan French with a surprise inclusion in the squad, the Cherry and Whites will be confident of dishing out some revenge after last season’s Grand Final defeat to KR.
Here’s how our writers see Saturday’s showdown at Wembley going
Will Jackson
Challenge Cup finals are won on grit, heart, desire and a sheer, and both Wigan Warriors and Hull KR have that in abundance.
That’s what makes this weekend’s game so hard to call. They’re both proven winners who know how to win the biggest games and they certainly won’t be overawed by the occasion and the fanfare that comes with.
In order to make a prediction then, I have to rely on what I’ve seen this season and it’s fair to say momentum is firmly in KR’s favour.
The Robins come into this week on the back of nine straight wins and while they have cruised some of those results, they’ve had to overcome adversity in others. Particularly at Leigh Leopards a fortnight ago.
After blowing Warrington Wolves away in the semis, they needed a game like that just to reinforce their values and test themselves before Wembley. Arthur Mourgue is the only man missing for the Robins and as a team, they seem to be peaking at the right time.
I didn’t necessarily agree with Matt Peet’s decision to change up his full team last week for the clash at Craven Park and while they ought to be the fresher of the two, such a call only serves to pile on the pressure.
I’m going for a Rovers win then and while I think it will be a low scoring contest, I think Willie Peters’ side get the job done to go back to back.
Prediction: Wigan Warriors 10-16 Hull KR
Lance Todd Trophy: Jez Litten
Josh McAllister
The pressure is on Wigan Warriors to deliver at Wembley after conceding the two Super League points in Round 12 last week – a bold call that could prove crucial in the race for the League Leaders’ Shield and a semi-final spot at the end of the season.
Jack Farrimond and Harry Smith had both been in excellent form before being rested against Hull KR at Sewell Group Craven Park, so it will be interesting to see how quickly they can re-establish their rhythm after a week out.
Motivation is high in both camps, and storylines are plentiful, with the Robins aiming to go back-to-back and Wigan looking to respond after their first trophyless season under Matt Peet.
With the pressure firmly on Wigan, I’m backing the Warriors to edge it. The hope is that we’re set for a blockbuster on the biggest stage.
Prediction : Wigan Warriors 18-14 Hull KR
Lance Todd Trophy : Harry Smith
Dan Tomlinson
Wigan have the first chance for revenge at Wembley after last year’s Grand Final defeat. They will hurting from that and will put up a stern fight. They will have to be near enough perfect to get the job done, Bevan French or no Bevan French.
Meanwhile, Hull KR are going for their fifth consecutive trophy. They are the best team and they have the best players, and I expect them to prove that statement with another win.
After a difficult start to the season, Rovers are bang in form and are scoring points for fun. Equally, they defend as good as anyone. I can’t see past them here with their two West Hull lads, Mikey Lewis and Jez Litten, to deliver when it matters most again.
Prediction: Wigan Warriors 6 Hull KR 18
Lance Todd Trophy: Jez Litten
James Smailes
Wigan Warriors’ decision to approach the Super League meeting in the way they did has only served to put unnecessary further pressure on the side. Meanwhile, Hull KR look supremely relaxed, at ease with the task at hand, and confident of delivering yet another trophy to the cabinet.
Willie Peters’ side is settled and in form, and that’s a very strong position to be in when you’re heading to a major final. KR’s squad know what it takes to win at Wembley and of all the big games they have been in the past two years, I fancy them more in this one than any previously.
Wigan are still a good team, but I’d take more KR players than Wigan ones in a combined line-up, plus KR have got more strike players fit and in form right now. I expect Jez Litten to put in a massive shift in defence and be a key cog in attack with a man of the match display.
Prediction : Wigan Warriors 10-18 Hull KR
Lance Todd Trophy : Jez Litten