Salford Red Devils have edge over Leeds Rhinos in Challenge Cup experience
Rhinos’ initial 21-man squad includes six players with previous Cup final experience. Between them, they have five winner’s medals, from nine finals.
Salford have won only one of their eight previous finals, but - thanks in part to ex-Leeds skipper Kallum Watkins - their squad for Saturday boasts 14 previous final appearances and seven victories.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRhinos players with Cup final experience are Tom Briscoe (two wins, two defeats), Adam Cuthbertson (one win), James Donaldson (one defeat), Brad Dwyer (one defeat), Richie Myler (one win) and Liam Sutcliffe (one win).
Salford’s Tyrone McCarthy and Kris Welham were both members of the Hull KR side crushed 50-0 by Rhinos in the 2015 final. Donaldson was also in Rovers’ side that day, while Watkins made one of his four Wembley appearances for Leeds, two of which ended in victory.
McCarthy was also twice a winner for Warrington, including the 2012 final against Leeds.
Kevin Brown has lost a final with Wigan Warriors, Huddersfield Giants and Warrington Wolves.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSalford’s other previous finalists are former Wigan duo Gil Dudson (one win) and Lee Mossop (two wins).
Rhinos boss Richard Agar will select from the 17 who beat Wigan in their semi-final two weeks ago, plus Cuthbertson, Jack Walker, Alex Sutcliffe and Luke Briscoe.
Dan Sarginson, who has coronavirus, drops out from Salford’s semi-final lineup, with Niall Evalds, Ryan Lannon, Chris Atkin, Luke Yates and Oliver Roberts all being drafted in.
Leeds Rhinos: from Walker, T Briscoe, Hurrell, Handley, Lui, Gale, Seumanufagai, Leeming, Prior, Mellor, Martin, Dwyer, L Sutcliffe, Myler, Cuthbertson, Oledzki, Smith, L Briscoe, Donaldson, A Sutcliffe, Holroyd.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSalford Red Devils: from Evalds, Welham, Inu, Lolohea, Brown, Mossop, Lussick, Dudson, Lannon, Pauli, McCarthy, Ikahihifo, Burke, Yates, Atkin, Flanagan, Greenwood, Williams, Kear, Roberts, Watkins.
Referee: Liam Moore (Wigan).
Kick-off: Saturday, 3pm, at Wembley.
A message from the Editor:
Leeds has a fantastic story to tell - and the Yorkshire Evening Post has been rooted firmly at the heart of telling the stories of our city since 1890. We believe in ourselves and hope you believe in us too. We need your support to help ensure we can continue to be at the heart of life in Leeds. https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/why-yorkshire-evening-post-needs-your-support-laura-collins-yep-editor-2913382
Subscribe to our website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe. For more details on our newspaper subscription offers click here.
Thank you
Laura Collins