Challenge Cup Final preview

The 2023 season has been anything but predictable. And as the Betfred Challenge Cup Final takes centre stage this weekend, the Men's competition is steeped in unpredictability. For the first time in 37 years, one of St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and Warrington Wolves won't be involved in the Men's Cup Final.

Instead, it's Betfred Super League new boys Leigh Leopards and Hull KR gracing the hallowed turf of Wembley on Saturday.

Both sides have fought tooth and nail to earn their place in this year's final. The Leopards - who have been the surprise package of 2023 - defeated the four-midable St Helens in the Challenge Cup Semi-Final, whilst Hull KR knocked out the current cup holders, Wigan Warriors, thanks to a golden point drop goal in their Semi-Final.

? The moment you've all been waiting for, @hullkrofficial fans!

? Next stop, @wembleystadium...

? #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/3aIR1o6UFv
— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) July 23, 2023

Twelve months ago, Leigh were battling for a place back in the top flight. Now, they're 80 minutes away from their first Challenge Cup win since 1971 - as well as occupying a top three spot in Super League. It has been a remarkable rise for the Leopards and they're showing no signs of slowing down.

For Hull KR, new head coach Willie Peters has instilled a fresh optimism at the club. The Robins are thriving both on and off the field and reaping the rewards in the league and cup. If they are successful on Saturday, it will be their first Challenge Cup success since 1980.

Leigh and Hull KR have met in two previous cup finals. Once in the Northern Rail Cup and once in the Arriva Trains Cup, with Leigh victorious on both of those occasions. The Robins will be hoping it's third time lucky when they take on the Leopards on Saturday.

Story of the season

The Robins and Leopards have faced each other twice in Super League this season and so far, the Leopards have the upper hand. Leigh also sit above Hull KR on the Super League table, with a six-point gap between the third place Leopards and sixth place Robins.

The two sides first went head-to-head this year in Round 3. Hull KR had enjoyed back-to-back wins to kick start their year, whilst the Leopards had endured two defeats on their return to Super League.

The Robins looked set to record their third straight win after taking a seven point lead into the final ten minutes. But two late tries from Leigh - including a Josh Charnley score in the final minute - earned the Leopards their first win of 2023.

The moment @LeighLeopardsRL won their first game of 2023! 1?#SuperLeague #SLHKRLei pic.twitter.com/VHNIvVXPDo
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) March 3, 2023

Fast forward to the end of June and the two sides met again for their second and most recent meeting. Contrary to the start of the season, it was Leigh who headed into the Round 17 fixture in form. The Leopards had won seven of their last eight league fixtures, whilst Hull KR went into the clash after losing four of their last five league games.

Leigh continued their impressive run of form against the Robins that evening - Adrian Lam's side raced away to a 22-0 half time lead and finished the contest as comfortable winners.

Since then, Hull KR have had a 50 percent win record in the league, winning and losing two games, whilst Leigh have won three of their last four league fixtures.

However, despite Leigh having the upper hand over the Robins in their 2023 league meetings and on the competition ladder, there will be nothing to separate the two sides at Wembley. Expect a closely fought battle between two passionate teams that are desperate for cup final glory. This clash has all the ingredients to be a Challenge Cup Final classic.

Ones to watch

Leopards captain John Asiata is the beating heart of the Leigh side. The former North Queensland Cowboy and Brisbane Bronco man has been integral to the Leopards' success this year and is the glue that keeps the side together.

He is tough, skilful and a fearless leader in the middle of the park, capable of playing big minutes at a fierce intensity. He can do the tough stuff through the middle third, as well as finding a pinpoint pass to create space for his teammates outside him. Expect Asiata to play a leading role for the Leopards on Saturday.

?? ICYMI @LeighLeopardsRL Lachlan Lam is your @GlensVodkaLLG May Player of the Month ?

What a first half of #SuperLeague 2023 he is having ? pic.twitter.com/spoXtlwtt0
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 5, 2023

A Challenge Cup Final win for Leigh on Saturday would be a fairly tale moment for Lachlan Lam. Not many players can say they have won a major cup final alongside their dad. But Lachlan, under the guidance of his head coach and dad, Adrian Lam, has that chance.

Lachlan Lam has been a standout for the Leopards in 2023. He has 20 try assists to his name and was awarded the Glen's Player of the Month award in May for his invaluable contributions during an unbeaten month for the Leopards. His ability to cut through opposition defences and create chances for his outside backs will be crucial to the Leopards' success at Wembley.

Ryan Hall's last trip to Wembley was a roaring success. He was part of the Leeds Rhinos team that decimated his current employer, Hull KR, 50-0 in the 2015 Challenge Cup Final. It was a match that will live long in the memory for both Leeds and Hull KR fans - albeit for contrastingly different reasons.

Now, Hall has the chance to write a new chapter in Hull KR's recent history and help his side win their first major trophy since 1980. Hall's big game experience will be vital for Hull KR on Saturday - he knows how to win finals and will be desperate to add another trophy to his already impressive CV. His carries from the back field and expert finishing will be a vital asset for the Robins on the weekend.

BRAD SCHNEIDER ?

Debut matches don't get any better @hullkrofficial ?#SuperLeague #SLLeeHKR pic.twitter.com/UELpRyPRUf
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) July 14, 2023

Hull KR's new recruit Brad Schneider has proved he's the man for the big moments. Not one to shy away from high pressure situations, Schneider has nailed two golden point drop goals in his three appearances for the Robins, including the all-important winner against Wigan in the Semi-Final.

All signs suggest another closely fought contest in the Challenge Cup Final, so Schneider could be called upon once again to deliver the knock out blow for the Robins and etch his name even further in Hull KR folklore.

Tickets can still be purchased for Saturday's Challenge Cup double header here. Tickets also include The AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final.