Ben Guzdek previews the upcoming Challenge Cup Final. This is what we have to look forward to.
Venue: Wembley Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 17th July, 3pm
Last Five Meetings
16/09/2020: Saints 10-0 Tigers
15/03/2020: Tigers 28-14 Saints
30/09/2019: Saints 4-0 Tigers
26/05/2019: Saints 36-16 Tigers
22/03/2019: Tigers 12-42 Saints
Team Lists
Match Preview
Having just come short to Warrington in 2019, St Helens will have another go at earning their first Challenge Cup since 2008 and their 13th in the club’s history.
Whereas a win for the Tigers would make it their first since 1986; this will also Daryl Powell’s second and last attempt of bringing home the trophy before coaching Warrington next year.
These are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to amount of stories going into this game and will shape up to be a spectacle for both sets of supporters.
Despite having not won a game since their semi-final win over Warrington, Castleford have made 12 changes to their last 21-man squad as Niall Evalds, Derrell Olpherts, Peter Mataโutia, Jake Trueman, Paul McShane, Adam Milner, Nathan Massey, George Griffin, Daniel Smith, Suaia Matagi, Jordan Turner and Gareth OโBrien all become available for selection ahead of this crucial game in their season.
However Saints won’t be fazed with injuries as Theo Fages comes in for the suspended Sione Mata’utia, which rules out a head-to-head clash with his brother Peter.
When you take the recent form out of the question you’ve still got an eye-catching tie between two sides looking to end their long wait for a Challenge Cup trophy.
Prediction
St Helens by 8 points.