Leeds Rhinos forward Alex Mellor makes prediction for former club Huddersfield Giants' Challenge Cup final showdown with Wigan Warriors

Leeds Rhinos forward Alex Mellor is tipping a win for his previous club Huddersfield Giants in Saturday's Betfred Challenge Cup final.
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Mellor made 79 appearances for Giants from 2017-2019.

They take on Wigan Warriors at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Mellor said:

“There’s a lot of people at that club that deserve it.

Alex Mellor was a Cup winner at Wembley two years ago. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.Alex Mellor was a Cup winner at Wembley two years ago. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.
Alex Mellor was a Cup winner at Wembley two years ago. Picture by Ed Sykes/SWpix.com.

“I am happy for their players and I think they are going to win.

“In finals, it is all about who performs on the day.

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“I think it is a bit of a lottery for who wins out of the two of them. I don’t think there’s any favourites, but I think they could edge it.”

Giants had a tough first season under coach Ian Watson last year, but are one of the form teams this term.

They are on a four-match winning run and sit fourth in Betfred Super League, one place and a point behind Wigan.

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Watson was coach of Salford Red Devils when they were beaten by Leeds in the 2020 Challenge Cup final, behind closed doors at Wembley.

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Mellor, who played that afternoon, said: “He seems to have got all their individual players playing pretty well and playing to their strengths.

“As a collective they seem to be playing much better. It is good to see.”

Chris Hill, the veteran prop signed from Warrington Wolves, has been a key addition for Giants this year, Mellor reckons.

He said: “You know what you get with Chris Hill, he is a good player, he is experienced and he brings a lot to them.”

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This weekend is a huge one for Huddersfield, with the town’s football club facing Nottingham Forest at Wembley tomorrow in the Championship play-off final.

Giants have struggled to attract fans throughout their time in Super League, but a win today could change that, Mellor believes.

He said: “It is hard for them because the football is so well supported in the town.

“A lot of people sway towards that, but if they could get a lot more numbers in that stadium it would be such a good place to play.

“I am sure a win would boost that and I think Town getting to the play-off final helps.

I am sure they will take a lot more fans down to London, who are going to go for a great weekend.”