The Challenge Cup 2011

Whether you are a rugby union or rugby league player or fan, the Carnegie Challenge Cup is always a spectacle. It is not only a great final showcase, but the fact the competition is a knock-out tournament comprising of teams from every level of the sport makes it extra special. An 8 months long competition, the Challenge Cup starts out with grassroots and amateur clubs, and as the competition goes on, the standards of the teams entering increase.

The way the competition works allow small clubs to fulfil a dream of playing in such a prestigious tournament, and if they do well they have the opportunity to face some of the country’s top teams, and perhaps even come away with an upset. It is a great concept that ignites hopes and dreams for every club, and climaxes with a spectacular final at Wembley Stadium.

The tournament started in 1897, and 1929 it was played at Wembley for the first time, in an attempt to allow the sport to grow outside of the North of England. Since this first outing at Wembley between Wigan and Dewsbury, the majority of finals have remained here, however in 1954 a cup final replay between Warrington and Halifax at Bradford’s Odsal Stadium attracted Rugby League's biggest ever crowd in the UK with 102,569 people in attendance.

This year we’re back to Wembley, and the Wigan Warriors are heavy favourites to beat the Leeds Rhinos. Both teams have been amongst the top teams of the Super League for years and they are two of the main teams in the UK, but while Wigan are League current leaders, Leeds have won little more than half their games this year and lie in 6^th place.

But this is the Challenge Cup, and anything can happen. Leeds have been out of form for most of the season, and lost their last game to 12^th placed Harlequins, but their season does not reflect their ability. They can still produce the expansive, attractive rugby they are renowned for, and if they can do so on Saturday it will be an exiting game.

The Rhinos have some big names, and some big game players. Kevin Sinfield is a loose-forward who leads from the front. He brings people into the game, plays a vital pivot role and in many ways pulls the strings for Leeds. He is not a massive back-row forward, and can also play stand-off, but he makes up for it with footballing ability and intelligence. He is also able to kick goals from impossible situations, and the more pressure he is under the better he seems to perform.

Great Britain, England and Leeds star Jamie Peacock will add grunt to the Leeds front-row. A massive ball carrier, Peacock is a tireless workhorse, and one of the toughest players in the Super League. Kylie Luluai is another front rower for Leeds who will have an impact. A huge man, he carries the ball as if it was a peanut, offloads with ease and is very difficult to stop near the opponent’s line.

Rob Burrow is a veteran of the Super League and although only 5 ft5, he is a potent threat from half-back. He has possibly the fastest 5 or 10 meters in UK rugby league and can duck and weave through defences. He has come off the bench lately as an impact payer, but he should be starting in a game of this importance. Ryan Hall is a big winger who scores a lot of tries. He has not had his best season in 2011, but a couple of tries in the Challenge Cup could change all of that.

For Wigan, full-back Sam Tompkins is the player everyone is talking about. Not only is he the bookies’ favourite to win the Super League man of Steel award, but also to win the Lance Todd trophy for man-of-the match in the Challenge Cup. Converted from stand-off to full-back for this season, Tompkins has the best open running ability in the UK game. His pace and evasive skills are immense and wills score or create tries in every game he plays. He will be targeted by the Rhinos in an attempt to take him out of his comfort zone, but he is tough enough to handle it.

Thomas Leuluai is a half-back or hooker who has evasive running skills almost on a par with Tompkins. He is equally skilful with the ball as he is in his running, and will create opportunities for himself and the rest of the team. He is tough for his size too, and will pack a punch if needs be.

Winger Pat Richards won the Man of Steel award in 2010, and although his try scoring record has not been quite as impressive, he has continued to play well. He is a big man and will take cross field kicks with ease. He is very strong, hard to stop and when he sniffs the try line there is not much anyone can do to stop him. He will kick goals from all over the pitch, so if the game is close Wigan can rely on Richards’ kicking. In side Richard is George Carmont, an experienced, intelligent and skilful centre who is also a massive threat in attack. He is strong and quick, knows where the try line is and will take his opportunities every time.

Wigan’s big boys are front rowers Andy Coley and Jeff Lima. Tough as they com they will run hard, tackle harder and certainly won’t shy away from any tough stuff. Second row Harrison Hansen is big and strong and difficult for a team to cope with in defence and attack. He will be in amongst it with the big boys, and you can be sure his tackle count will be at the top of the sheet.

Wigan may well be favourites going into this Challenge Cup, but as already stated anything can happen. If Leeds fire on all cylinders or if Wigan don’t an upset isn’t impossible, but no matter the scoreline, we’re in for a treat tomorrow.