Big call as veteran left out of Challenge Cup Final

Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens are all absent from the men’s Challenge Cup Final today for the first time since 1986 paving the way for Leigh Leopards and Hull KR to make history today.

Hull KR are chasing a first major trophy since 1985 and a first Challenge Cup since 1980.

Leigh’s ambition is to win a first Challenge Cup since 1971 and now the team tasked with delivering the trophy has been confirmed.

It is mostly as you would expect but a big call is that veteran Joe Wardle has been left out of the side as 18th man.

Beyond that, it is as you would expect. Gareth O’Brien starts at fullback forming a spine with Ben Reynolds and Lachlan Lam in the halves with Edwin Ipape as the hooker.

John Asiata, after all that controversy, starts at 13. In the backs we see Josh Charnley and Tom Briscoe provide cup final experience on the wings as Zak Hardaker and Ed Chamberlain start in the centres.

Tom Amone, Rob Mulhern, Kai O’Donnell and Jack Hughes make up the pack.

On the bench, Adrian Lam has Joe Mellor, Oliver Holmes, Ben Nakubuwai and Matty Davis.

Hull KR had a big call to make on two time cup winner Ryan Hall who won the Lance Todd trophy in 2014.

He has been injured since the semi-final and the question was would the Robins risk him.

Meanwhile, there was also a question over where Mikey Lewis would play. Would he start on the bench, at fullback or would either of Schneider and Rowan Milnes be dropped?

That question has been answered with Willie Peters naming Lewis at fullback.

He has also risked Ryan Hall on the wing so there is no Louis Senior.

Jez Litten starts at nine ahead of Matt Parcell. Brad Schneider and Rowan Milnes of course start in the halves with Lewis at fullback.

Elliot Minchella is given the nod at loose forward as many expected. Shaun Kenny-Dowall will captain the side from centre with Tom Opacic on the other side.

Rhys Kennedy and George King start at prop with James Batchelor and Kane Linnett the pair of back rowers.

The bench is made up of Matty Storton, Dean Hadley and Sam Luckley.