Jackson Hastings names surprise team he wants to win the Challenge Cup Final

Leigh Leopards and Hull KR are headed to Wembley Stadium for the Challenge Cup Final after they knocked off St Helens and Wigan Warriors respectively at the homes of Warrington Wolves and Leeds Rhinos in two outstanding Challenge Cup semi-finals.

It is the first time since 1986 when Hull KR met Castleford Tigers that none of Leeds, Wigan, Warrington or St Helens have competed in the Challenge Cup Final so feels like a once in a generation final.

The Leopards booked their place in the capital by dispatching Super League and World Champions St Helens.

The Leopards trailed 6-0 at halftime but stormed 10-6 ahead after tries from Oliver Holmes and Zak Hardaker.

A Ben Reynolds penalty made it 12-6 which would prove crucial as Tommy Makinson missed the chance to send the game to golden point after a Jonny Lomax try.

Hull KR meanwhile were taken to golden point by a 12 man Wigan Warriors side.

The Robins trailed 10-4 after three goals from Harry Smith and a Jai Field try.

Louis Senior had made it 4-0 and it was other winger Ethan Ryan who scored the equaliser.

Brad Schneider won the game in golden point with a drop goal that settled it.

It will be a brilliant final for neutrals as we will see either Leigh – who haven’t won the trophy since 1971 – or Hull KR – who haven’t won the final since 1980 – end a major trophy drought.

So, it is quite hard for neutral fans to pick who they’d want to win.

For Hull FC fans it is an obvious choice of Leigh and Wigan fans will likely be behind the Robins.

However a former Wigan star and Salford Red Devils hero is actually routing for his former side’s local rivals.

He said on social media: “Happy for this guy, hope he gets lifts it with his son at Wembley. Finals every year, GF appearance, CC appearance, LLS winner and should be 2x coach of the year, legend.”

The final will take place on August 12th at Wembley as part of a triple header with the 1895 Cup Final between Halifax Panthers and Batley Bulldogs and the Women’s Final between St Helens and Leeds Rhinos.