Challenge Cup Final - Leeds vs Warrington - 2:30PM

.ak

Challenge Cup final today in Wembley. What are your feelings on the final? Wolves are obvious favorites but the pundits seem to be calling for a possible upset, and naturally their coach is talking the talk.

Brian McDermott wrote:

"I'm not bothered about recent history," said McDermott. "We're not going there to win it because we've lost the last few.

"We're going there to win it because it will feel fantastic to win. We can't be motivated by being scared to death to lose because of what's gone before."

How are you calling it?

TEAMS:

Leeds: Z Hardaker; B Jones-Bishop, K Watkins, C Ablett, R Hall; K Sinfield (capt), S Ward; K Leuluai, R Burrow, J Peacock, J Jones-Buchanan, B Delaney, R Bailey.

Subs: D Griffin, C Clarkson, I Kirke, S Lunt.

Warrington: B Hodgson; C Riley, R Atkins, S Ratchford, J Monaghan; L Briers, R Myler; G Carvell, M Higham, C Hill, T Waterhouse, B Westwood, B Harrison.

Subs: A Morley (capt), M Monaghan, P Wood, T McCarthy.

Referee: Richard Silverwood (Mirfield)

Beasty

Warrington

Perhaps slightly off-topic, but as it's a Lancashire (OK technically Cheshire, but historically Warrington was part of Lancashire) v Yorkshire final let's see if it generates any discussion anyway

Just curious as to how personal allegiencies form in a sport like Rugby League from a location that is remote from the core of the sport such as Ireland

If you're not a particular fan of either finalist, would you go on any particular criteria to determine which team you would look to support? If so:

1. Is it based on tribalism? So if you are a Bulls fan, would you support the Wolves simply because you would hate Leeds winning?
2. Is it based on geography? RL is mainly a Lancashire/Yorkshire sport in England, so is it which side of the Pennines the club is based that determines it for you; or
3. Do you simply go on what you consider to be the most "attractive" team?

For me, it's that fact that Leeds are from Yorkshire (although they tend to be a personal favorite anyway) - If the Bulls were playing Warrington I would go for them also. In soccer I would always look to Leeds losing though (I'm a Man U fan)

Dozen Wicked Words

Only got to watch this today, great second half from Warrington. Thoroughly deserved the win, they would be worthy winners of Super league too, Wigan might have other ideas about that though.

Usually support underdog or non heartland team, the Broncos or Dragons.
Wanted Warrington to win as a not a fan of Leeds, but would cheer for them or anyone if they played Wigan. ABW

Beasty

Warrington

I suspect there's a lot of "ABW" amongst RL supporters given the way they dominated the game for so long - I also suspect the same people (me included) have a sneaking admiration for what their soccer team have achieved though