2009 Challenge Cup Final Preview
Huddersfield Giants face Warrington Wolves in Wembley showpiece.
Aug 25, 2009
Recently the cup has been dominated by Wigan (who won eight finals in a row between 1988 and 1995), St Helens (who have won the last three finals), Bradford and Leeds. The four meeting each other in no less than 11 of the last 22 finals, and when the semi-final draw was made back in June it looked as though two of the big four would face off again as Wigan drew Warrington and St Helens were paired with Huddersfield. That was not to be however as high flying Huddersfield showed a tremendous defensive display to defeat the holders 24-14, and the Wolves, although outside the top eight playoffs destroyed Wigan in a superb 20 minute spell in the first half and then hung on to win 39-26.
Huddersfield Giants
The Giants have shocked the Rugby League World this season under new coach Nathan Brown. Their defensive toughness and rugged forward pack has allowed playmakers Luke Robinson and Kevin Brown to link up in attack, whilst fullback and Captain Brett Hodgson is a contender for the Man of Steel award. Prior to their semi final win they had won their last six Super League games in a row and were sat third in the table.
Their path to the final is as follows:
- Rd 4 - Harlequins (a) Won 42-16
- Rd 5 - Rochdale (h) Won 38-12
- QF - Castleford (h) Won 16-14
- SF - St Helens (Warrington) Won 24-14
The Giants will be without the injured Danny Kirmond after it was confirmed that he suffered knee ligament damage in the recent defeat to St Helens.
Warrington Wolves
Fans expectations were high at the start of the season for Warrington but a poor start saw coach Jimmy Lowes replaced by England boss Tony Smith. The Wolves then stormed into the top six but have recently fell away and will more than likely fail to make the end of season playoffs. Their win over Wigan in the semi final was based on their brute strength upfront with skipper Adrian Morley and Garreth Carvell causing problems for the Wigan pack. Hooker Michael Monaghan and Lee Briers then linked up superbly to book the clubs first trip to Wembley since 1990.
The Wolves road to Wembley looks like this:
- Rd 4 – York (h) Won 56-10
- Rd 5 – Featherstone (a) Won 56-8
- QF – Hull KR (a) Won 25-24 AET
- SF – Wigan (Widnes) Won 39-26
Warrington will be without long term absentee Mickey Higham whilst Matt King is a doubt.
Both sides go into the final after two straight defeats (both losing their two games after the semi final), but Huddersfield sit fourth in the Super League table whilst Warrington are in 9th. The game kicks off at 2.30pm BST and is live on BBC 1.
