Kear was coach of Sheffield Eagles in 1998 when they sent shockwaves through rugby league by defeating all-conquering Wigan at Wembley.

Kear was denied a place in this year's showpiece when Wakefield lost their semi-final, but he insists Wildcats' conquerors Hull are capable of shocking St Helens tomorrow.

Holders St Helens are unbeaten in 21 matches and are red-hot 1-7 favourites – it's little wonder Castleford Tigers boss Terry Matterson thinks you'd need "rocks in your head" to opt for Hull.

While Kear isn't tipping Hull, he has masterminded an upset before and sees every possibility of it happening again.

"It's one of those games where it brings together the underdog against massive favourites, but I think Hull have got a great opportunity," said former Black and Whites boss Kear.

"Obviously, Saints are favourites but their winning run in both the Challenge Cup and Super League has got to end some time. Hull have every chance and what better place to end that run than when there is silverware?

"I don't know what the odds are, obviously St Helens are favourites, but upsets do occur and Hull have proved they have got the winning mentality for big games.

"If they go in with a positive frame of mind I'm sure they can shake them up."

Saints were last toppled by Castleford Tigers who recorded a 30-24 triumph at the Jungle back in April.

Give Cas boss Terry Matterson a free bet and he'll be with St Helens, but the Australian-born coach is another who can't rule out an upset.
"You have to say St Helens and you'd have to have rocks in your head to be tipping Hull," said Matterson.

"Saying that, you look at how many internationals Hull have got and all it takes is for Saints to have one of those off games.

"history shows it can happen – Hull beat Leeds and I still remember Sheffield, I was there when they beat Wigan."

Tigers were a long way off making the final – eliminated in the fourth round at Harlequins – but like Wakefield, Leeds Rhinos only narrowly failed to get there after semi-final heartache at the hands of St Helens.

Rhinos coach Brian McClennan expects Saints to prevail, but insists the final is no one-horse race.

"There is never only one team in it in such a big game and we've seen countless times before where the underdog gets up," said McClennan.
"There is never just one team in the final.

"I think Saints will be very difficult to beat but stranger things have happened. That's the beauty of sport and why we go to watch.

"Anything can happen, but if Saints play to their full potential they will win."

Like Wakefield, Rhinos were within touching distance of the final and while McClennan says his players are now grateful for the rest, he admits that everyone was dreaming of Wembley.

"We all wish we were there, but we'll get another shot at it," he said.
"it just didn't work out this year with injuries and the itinerary, but I'm going to go to the game and it will be interesting.

"I wanted to go to the final with Leeds – I wanted to go to win the Challenge Cup – but I am going down to watch it and have a look at Wembley for the first time. I'll enjoy that.

"I'm sure the occasion will be good and anything can happen in sport.
"Hull have got a lot of experience of finals in their team but they might just be a little bit underdone."