Can Sam Burgess write a Warrington success story? | Betfred Challenge Cup Final

Warrington Wolves’ Head Coach Sam Burgess has said he won’t start thinking about winning the Challenge Cup until he’s actually won it.

On Saturday, the Wolves will take on Wigan Warriors in the highly-anticipated 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final, in what will be their first cup final meeting since 1990.

For Burgess, it’s a remarkable achievement as he prepares to lead his side out at Wembley in his first year as a head coach:

“It’s great,” Burgess said at Monday’s Challenge Cup Finals press conference.

“The start of the year has gone well for us, and it will be the first time of the year where we’re going to play for something and play for a trophy.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and a great weekend at Wembley and hopefully they’ll be a great crowd there.”

Looking ahead to Finals Day, Burgess knows it’s going to be a special and poignant day for all involved, as Rugby League will pay tribute to the late legend that is Rob Burrow, who passed away last Sunday after a courageous battle with MND (motor neurone disease).

Burgess is also excited for a bumper day of Rugby League action:

“There are so many different things happening there as well – we’re celebrating Rob Burrow and his achievements, and there’s three other games on that day too – the Women’s, 1895 Cup and Schools Finals, as well as the Men’s.

“It’s going to be a great carnival of rugby league and we’re just thrilled that we’re a part of that.”

Matt Peet's Wigan Warriors are the team to beat in 2024 and Burgess was full of credit for hisopposition on Saturday:

“They are the Champions – the World Champions – and they won the Super League last year. 2022 was the last time they won the Challenge Cup.

“They are the benchmark for every team, and we understand that. We know that what they bring and they are a highly competitive team with some great players – some absolute X factor players.

“It’s going to be a big day but we’ll tackle it with the same frost that we do every week. We’ll get well prepared and try and get our best performance on the field.”

And although Burgess can no longer influence the action on the pitch as a player, he is looking forward to taking in the occasion, while relishing the challenge that lies ahead:

“It’s different for me for now because I’m not a player, so I can’t really influence the game in that respect. But it’s going to be a nice moment to soak up and I’ll enjoy the walk out into the stadium. Hopefully it’ll be a full stadium and we can feel the emotion in the ground and get a performance out there.

“It would be great [to win], but we understand the challenge. There’s a Wigan side on the other side of the dressing rooms who are equally as motivated.

“We know the challenge so when I lift it, then I’ll start thinking about it. But until then, it’s eyes on the job and trying to get the team ready for it.

On Warrington’s performances this year, Burgess was full of praise for his players and admitted he is enjoying the journey both himself and his side have embarked on:

“I’m happy with how we’ve been, and we’ve definitely been improving. Our game is maturing as we step through the year. We’re a new team and we’re going to continually get better, grow, learn about each other and find out what works well for us.

“This weekend will be another chance for us to improve and on a bigger stage against a great side and we will see where we are at this weekend.”

Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cup!

The 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final will take place on Saturday 8 June, K.O. 3.07pm at Wembley Stadium and be shown LIVE on BBC One.

The Men's 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final (KO 3.07pm) is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the finals of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup (KO 11.45am) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.