Challenge Cup final tips: Warrington Wolves seek Super League vengeance over dominant Wigan Warriors
- Seb Sternik
- 4 June 2024
Wembley stadium is set to host a huge Challenge Cup final as Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors prepare to do battle for the oldest prize in rugby league (Sat, 1507 BST).
The most famous stadium in the world has been busy over recent weeks. From the drama of the FA Cup, the tension of the Championship play-off final and the majesty of the Champions League, those stands have been treated to the very best in sport… so far.
Next up is the Challenge Cup, and I know what you’re going to say. Is it as big as the FA Cup final? No. Does it come with the same financial gains as the play-off final? No. Is it watched by millions across the globe like the Champions League final? Of course not.
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But then again, the Challenge Cup final will offer things that none of those footballing goliaths could.
For one, you will be watching superhuman athletes. Rugby league has arguably the most athletic competitors in sport with tremendous level of ability in every physical department.
In truth, if Top Trumps did rugby league, these players would be maxing out their speed, power and stamina figures.
As well as that, expect the Challenge Cup final to produce last-minute drama.
The two finalists met in the Super League last weekend and it was Wigan who walked away with a 19-18 victory.
Meanwhile, the last two Challenge Cup finals were won in truly dramatic fashion. Back in 2022, Wigan scored the winning try against Huddersfield with two-minutes to go, while in 2023 it was Leigh who edged Hull KR in golden point extra time.
Wigan may have picked up the win over Warrington last week, but they are heading into Wembley a couple men short.
Adam Keighran and Tyler Dupree have both been given three-game bans following the 19-18 thriller – a huge blow for the Super League champions.
Warrington may have lost the dress rehearsal but there’s something very exciting about Sam Burgess’ team. Plus, let’s not forget that the Wolves decided to rest some of their key men.
The loss to Wigan ended a splendid run of four-straight victories which saw Wire take down the likes of Hull KR, Huddersfield and Catalans Dragons.
The Warriors, meanwhile, are on a five-match winning run across all competitions. Interestingly, Wigan kept four of those opponents below eight points – a run that was ended by Wire who scored 18.
While the Cherries will take some stopping, we’re backing Warrington to win their first Challenge Cup since 2019.
It promises to be a very close game and a 1-12 point winning margin is certainly the way to go.
