For the first time in a generation Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and St Helens will not be at Wembley with Leigh Leopards and Hull KR instead colliding at Wembley.
The last time there was a final without the above quartet was 1986 when Hull KR lost to Castleford Tigers and the Leopards will be hoping to replicate that this time around.
They are chasing a first Challenge Cup since 1971 and to become the first side to go from 1895 Cup Winners to Challenge Cup Final winners.
They have named the squad to do that and have former cup winners Tom Briscoe, Zak Hardaker, Josh Charnley and Ava Seumanufagai in their squad.
The main absentee is of course injured star Ricky Leutele and Oliver Gildart is not permitted to replace him against his future club due to registration rules.
The Leopards haven’t named a full squad instead naming 20 players.
Ladies and Gents…Your Leopards Challenge Cup Final Squad. 🔥🐆🔥#betheroar #leythers pic.twitter.com/tzG0ib051T
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) August 10, 2023
Hull KR have also named their 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.
Warrington Wolves
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