Challenge Cup Final: Team news, match preview and score prediction

In the oldest and most prestigious competition in rugby league, the Challenge Cup, Huddersfield and Wigan have dreams of silverware.

It’s 13 years since the Giants contested one of the biggest games in our sport and it’s been nearly 70 years since they last lifted the famous old trophy. In Ian Watson’s new era, can he end their wait for major final success?

As for Wigan, they’re the competition’s most successful side and are hoping to lift the trophy once again but for the first time in nearly a decade. For them, it could also be the first major moment of a new era under Matt Peet.

Team News:

There is a bit of a blow for the Giants who are without Theo Fages whose experience in big games would have been invaluable. There is also worry over whether Oliver Russell will be fit after a hamstring scare last week. At least Will Pryce is back from suspension to cover the halves should Russell be deemed unfit however it seems as though Russell has come through today’s captain’s run unscathed and will play.

Speaking of players back from bans, Kaide Ellis is back from a suspension to put his hand up for a spot in the side and there is a surprise inclusion of skipper Thomas Leuluai in the squad which puts Harry Smith’s place in the side in jeopardy.

Match Preview – Key Battles:

Tui Lolohea vs Jai Field: No player has caught the eye more than these two in 2022. In a competition full of great fullbacks, Tui Lolohea and Jai Field have stood up tall with amazing highlights reels. Either one would be a good bet to pick up the Lance Todd trophy.

Jack Cogger vs Cade Cust: Despite being Huddersfield’s fourth choice halfback, there’s a good chance Jack Cogger could get a shot in a major final tomorrow – a chance for him to show his underrated quality and write his name forever in the history books. He has all the qualities to do so but will be up against a brilliant organiser in Cade Cust who is looking to join the many great halfbacks who have underpinned great days in the capital for Wigan.

Chris Hill vs Brad Singleton: Two experienced props tussle wanting to add a little bit more to their legacy. For both this is the culmination of a journey where they have sought to prove people wrong. Both left big clubs used to winning silverware and have gone on to perform brilliantly away from Warrington and Leeds respectively. Lifting the cup tomorrow would truly prove they were right to make their career decisions.

Where the game will be won and lost:

Huddersfield are a methodical team who will get through their sets and try to suck the life out of Wigan. On the back of that they’ll look to their key players to turn this platform into points but their struggles in the halves may diminish their attacking returns. Thus, if Wigan can hang in there and strike when the opportunities arise, which they certainly will with such attacking quality in their side, the Warriors could add to their Challenge Cup winning history. That said, all season the Giants have had something of a revolving door in the halves, so whoever starts there tomorrow may have the key to unlock the Wigan defence.

Score Prediction: Huddersfield Giants 22-12 Wigan Warriors