12am Sunday morning 24th August – Australian Eastern time.
This weekend’s Challenge Cup final promises to deliver a Rugby League spectacle of the highest billing when underdogs the Castleford Tigers take on their more glamorous Yorkshire rivals from up the road, the Leeds Rhinos, at Wembley Stadium.
Surprisingly, it’s the first time the two rivals have met in a cup final, the Tigers having last made the big dance 22 years ago and lost, while the Rhinos have come up short in their last six finals appearances, further adding to the drama and intrigue of an already thrilling sporting narrative.
The smaller, economically burdened town of Castleford is renowned for punching above its weight, a proud Rugby League stronghold that would love nothing more than to knock off the significantly wealthier city to the north-east.
Naturally such a big occasion will bring with it its own unique set of characteristics, most notably the intensity and the crowd factors, FOX SPORTS NRL commentator and analyst, as well as ex-Super League player Steve Menzies agrees with.
“Because of the knockout nature of the competition, games are generally played at a very high intensity, it’s do or die,” Menzies said.
“The atmosphere will be amazing, as good as you will get in Super League.”
Four Australians will feature in this years’ final with Brett Delaney lining up for Leeds, while Luke Dorn, Justin Carney and Grant Millington play for Castleford. Dorn in particular has been in scintillating form this season, seemingly scoring tries at will, with Menzies predicting he will have a huge role to play come Saturday.
“I think Luke Dorn can have the greatest impact out of the Aussies, he said.
“He has been in career best form for Castleford.”
Leeds however offer huge big game experience, and a win would finally provide its decorated golden generation players Kevin Seinfeld and Rob Burrow, the one thing that has eluded them in glittering careers that have included six Grand Final triumphs and three World Club Challenge victories in 10 years.
Asked who he thinks will be the last team standing at the end of eighty minutes, Menzies opted in favour of the fairytale.
“I’m going to go for the underdog,” he said.
“I think Castleford are hungry enough and playing well enough to win but they must settle down fast, not get too nervous and get into the game early.”
Regardless of the result all the signs point to a spectacle, two proud Rugby League teams, a famous venue and with any luck a classic encounter, worthy of the rich and storied history of the cup.
Eurosport’s coverage of the Challenge Cup final will begin LIVE at 12am Sunday morning 24th August – Australian Eastern time.
