Wigan Warriors take on Huddersfield Giants in the final of the 125th year of Rugby League's most historic competition, the Betfred Challenge Cup tomorrow.
And, perhaps fittingly, the sport will break new ground on the day as the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium hosts Rugby League for the first time.
In another quirk of the fixture, it will be the first time the pair have met in any Challenge Cup fixture since way back in 1956, while it is a repeat of the 1920 Challenge Cup Final which was held at Headingley, Huddersfield winning that tie 21-10.
Wigan's journey to the final saw them shut out Salford Red Devils 20-0 in Round 6 ahead of a comfortable 36-6 win at Wakefield Trinity in the quarter-finals.
Then came their biggest test in the semis as they took on holders and current Super League leaders St Helens. But they passed that test in style as their recorded a memorable 20-18 win over their fierce rivals at Elland Road, thanks in no small part to Liam Marshall's eye-catching brace.
Wigan, who have more Challenge Cup wins than any other club with 19 but haven't won the Cup since 2013, will come into this game as favourites and are as close to full strength as they can get. Thomas Leuluai is fit enough to be included in Matt Peet's initial 21-man squad which means only the banned Sam Powell is unavailable of his 1-17 squad. Powell is serving the last game of his six match ban for a crusher tackle which took place against St Helens on Good Friday.
But young hooker Brad O'Neill has deputised admirably in Powell's absence and he is likely to continue in the role this week.
Meanwhile Huddersfield Giants kicked off their Cup campaign with a hard-fought 30-16 win at Championship Barrow in Round 6, before they turned on the style to see off Hull FC 24-16 at the quarter-final stage.
In the semis, Hull KR had no answer for Ian Watson's imperious Giants as they triumphed 25-4 to secure their first final spot since 2009.
The Giants, whose most recent Challenge Cup win came back in 1953, welcome back electric full back or halfback Will Pryce to their 21 for the first time since March. He has completed his ten game ban for a dangerous tackle on Hull FC's Connor Wynne and could be set to play with Theo Fages ruled out with injury.
Emerging halfback Olly Russell, who has been a shining light for the Giants in 2022, will be given the week to prove his fitness after he picked up a muscle problem in his side's league outing against Toulouse last Friday.
Coach's Comments:
Matt Peet, Wigan Warriors
"I think it's set up to be a really high quality game. I think it's a great opportunity for our players and fans to have a really enjoyable week - it's been a long time coming. It would mean the world to win but we've got to get the performance right.
Watch the full interview here.
Ian Watson, Huddersfield Giants:
"Challenge Cup final week is always really special - it's all about enjoying it but making sure we do the work in front of us too. We've just got to take our opportunities and see if we can get the result we want at the weekend."
Watch the full interview here.
Player's Comments:
Liam Farrell, Wigan Warriors
"We're looking to make something special with this group and be part of the record books for this club with a proud history. The Challenge Cup wins I've had are very special to me so I'm hoping to add to that."
Watch the full interview here.
Luke Yates, Huddersfield Giants
"It's massive for the club and for the town. Everyone's absolutely buzzing for it but it's up to us now to narrow our focus and get the job done. I've got a good belief in the squad and the quality that we have."
Watch the full interview here.
Squads:
Wigan Warriors: Bevan French, Jake Bibby, Iain Thornley, Liam Marshall, Cade Cust, Thomas Leuluai, Brad Singleton, Patrick Mago, Willie Isa, Liam Farrell, John Bateman, Morgan Smithies, Kaide Ellis, Harry Smith, Oliver Partington, Ethan Havard, Liam Byrne, Joe Shorrocks, Jai Field, Abbas Miski, Brad O’neill.
Huddersfield Giants: Will Pryce, Jermaine Mcgillvary, Ricky Leutele, Ashton Golding, Tui Lolohea, Chris Hill, Danny Levi, Michael Lawrence, Josh Jones, Chris McQueen, Luke Yates, Matty English, Joe Greenwood, Jack Cogger, Owen Trout, Adam O’Brien, Oliver Wilson, Leroy Cudjoe, Olly Russell, Innes Senior, Sam Hewitt.
Previous Betfred Challenge Cup meetings:
- 1956 (Quarter Final) Wigan 24 Huddersfield 2
- 1953 (Semi-Final) Huddersfield 7 Wigan 0 (at Odsal Stadium, Bradford)
- 1951 (Quarter Final) Wigan 2 Huddersfield 0
- 1937 (Quarter Final) Huddersfield 7 Wigan 8
- 1928 (Round 1) Wigan 2 Huddersfield 13
- 1920 (FINAL) Huddersfield 21 Wigan 10 (at Headingley, Leeds)
- 1915 (Semi-Final) Huddersfield 27 Wigan 2 (at Parkside, Hunslet)
- 1913 (Quarter Final) Wigan 5 Huddersfield 14
- 1911 (Round 1) Wigan 18 Huddersfield 13
- 1909 (Quarter Final, Replay) Wigan 16 Huddersfield 3
- 1909 (Quarter Final) Huddersfield 10 Wigan 10
- 1904 (Round 1) Huddersfield 0 Wigan 7
