The Challenge Cup semi-finals at the weekend were two of the best games of the season with Leigh Leopards progressing past St Helens, whilst Hull KR defeated Wigan Warriors in golden point.
With holders Wigan knocked out and current Super League champions Saints also dispatched at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row, it sets up a final between two rather unexpected sides.
One side will be lifting the trophy for the first time over 40 years with Rovers having not tasted Challenge Cup success since 1980, whilst it’s over 50 years for Leigh with their last triumph in 1971.
That’s promoted the idea of a packed out Wembley with both Leigh and Hull KR two of just six sides that will feature that day, with Batley Bulldogs taking on Halifax Panthers in the 1895 Cup and St Helens Women facing Leeds Rhinos.
Another set of fans could well be in attendance according to former Sky commentator Mike ‘Stevo’ Stephenson.
Speaking on his and former colleague Eddie Hemmings podcast, ‘The Eddie and Stevo Pod’, Stevo suggested Wembley will be full of Hull FC fans.
“It’ll be a great final as I say,” Stevo explained to Eddie.
“The cities of Leigh and Hull, they’ll be empty because don’t worry, a lot of the black and whites in Hull, they’ll be going to Wembley.
“They’ll be purchasing the tickets to support Leigh. They won’t want KR to win.”
Eddie responded in kind: “I don’t suppose they will, it’ll certainly be a city divided, there’s no doubt about.”
The last time the city of Hull was ’emptied’ was in 1980 when Rovers lifted their sole Challenge Cup with victory over their city rivals Hull FC, whereas Leigh have already announced impressive ticket sales for their Wembley trip.
