Challenge Cup Finalists late to name their squad

There’ll be no Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves or St Helens at Wembley for the first time since 1986 as Hull KR and Leigh Leopards meet.

That day Castleford Tigers defeated Hull KR as the Robins entered the first year of their trophy drought which has gone on since 1985.

They haven’t won the Challenge Cup Final since 1980 but opponents Leigh have waited even longer since 1971.

Speaking of waiting, Leigh have been late to name their Challenge Cup Final squad which was expected at 12 o’clock today.

Ahead of such a big game we can only hope this isn’t because Adrian Lam has been forced into late changes and is just because the club has been swept up in an amazing send off today.

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Leigh today to send them off to Wembley ahead of what feels like a date with destiny for the club.

Hull KR were also given a similar send off by their fans at Craven Park.

They have also named their 21-man squad.

This has left Willie Peters with a big call to make. Although Jordan Abdull is injured, Peters has a choice between Mikey Lewis, Rowan Milnes and Brad Schneider for the two halfback positions.

There is a chance Lewis could start at fullback but for the semi-final the original plan was to play Ethan Ryan there.

However, he didn’t do to a massive change around caused by Ryan Hall. Hall stands a chance of featuring despite his recent calf injury.

He was supposed to play on the left wing against Wigan Warriors in the semi-final at Headingley but at the 11th hour he pulled out.

Just a matter of weeks removed from that game, Hall could make his first appearance since the Robins beat his former club Leeds at Headingley in Golden Point.

With the Rhinos Hall won two Challenge Cup Finals and lost three finals. He scored in both the 2011 and 2014 finals.

In fact, in the 2014 final he scored one of the most famous Challenge Cup Final tries powering over Andrew Dixon and this helped him secure the Man of the Match.

Interestingly, he and Rovers assistant Danny McGuire both played for Leeds against Hull KR in that 2015 final.

It is a big call from Willie Peters to bring him back in the fold weeks after his last game but if any man can step up to the plate it’s Hall.