Cup final could be an all time classic

RFL President Bev Risman has hailed the 2010 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final as a match with the potential to rank as the greatest in the competition’s 113-year history.

The final will see last year’s Carnegie Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves defend the trophy against reigning Engage Super League champions Leeds Rhinos at Wembley on Saturday August 28 when Risman is predicting an all-time classic.

“A Wembley final between the holders of the sport’s two biggest trophies is one to savour and I count myself fortunate that a game like this has come along during my term in office as RFL President,” said Risman.

“The quality of the Rugby League in both semi-finals was absolutely outstanding and it all bodes well for a truly great final later this month.
“Leeds demonstrated nerves of steel to beat St Helens whilst Warrington’s handling skills were exhilarating.

“The new Wembley is a spectacular venue and I’m sure we’ll see a full house for a match involving two of the sport’s best supported clubs.”

Risman was a member of the Leeds team that beat Wakefield Trinity in the famous Watersplash final at Wembley in 1968 and was at Huddersfield on Saturday to see the Rhinos reach Wembley for the first time in 11 years with a thrilling victory over St Helens.

The former dual-code international was also at Stobart Stadium, Widnes, today when Warrington booked a quickfire return to Wembley with a 54-12 defeat of Catalans Dragons.

“I have to take my hat off to Warrington and Leeds for the sheer quality of the Rugby League they delivered this weekend, it was entertainment of the highest order and no-one at either stadium or the millions of people watching on TV can fail to have been blown away by the action,” said Risman.

“Modern Rugby League players are truly outstanding athletes and the skills on show throughout 20101 have been a joy to behold.

“As well as looking forward to a Wembley final to remember, Rugby League fans are in for a captivating top-eight Engage Super League play-off series.

“Knockout rugby invariably brings out the best in players, as we have seen throughout this year’s Challenge Cup, and I’m sure fans can expect more of the same captivating brand of Rugby League in the play-offs.”