I disagree entirely. There's hardly been an unexpected result all season. Leeds have beaten the SL whipping boy rabble 16 times out of 20. Leeds have lost 6 out of 7 against the real competition, the other being a draw.

And yet, in three of their last four meetings Leeds and Wigan have been separated by the narrowest of margins.



For all the plaudits thrown at Wigan's defence - particularly down the middle of the park - Saints IMO exposed a potential weakness down their right hand side. Sadly for them, it took them the best part of 70 minutes to capitalise with good enough ball movement to leave Charnley twice clutching at thin air.



This Wigan side aren't unbeatable by any stretch of the imagination.

I agree, but Leeds' execution in attack has been poor in this cup run, and would need to be far more clinical to expose those weaknesses at Wembley. For me, Leeds need to raise their game considerably and Wigan need to have an off day. Never say never, but on the weekend's performances, Wigan will rightly start as big favourites.

Wigan starting as big favourites should be an absolute given and deservedly so. You could probably still get shorter odds on Castleford winning the Cup this morning, that's how big an underdog Leeds deserve to be.



It'll still count for nothing come kick-off time though where the better of the two performances will win it.

Leeds have that big game mentality in them somewhere. I personally am really wary of Leeds in a final. I've just got a feeling this game won't be the cakewalk some think it will be.

Leeds should draw alot from the 2 previous games against Wigan.



In 160 mins of rugby we only have a 2 point short fall against them on the score board. We aren't miles away.



Wigans tenacity and performance is surely note worthy but the massive under dog status will suit Leeds.



We have Wigans right side of defence to expose and we faired well on both flanks with grubbers. Our ability to break them down will be key and if we do get to them we will proabably have to score even half chances.



In the previous 2 games Wigan do set their stall out in an even more reserved manner. They do show us respect, so lets twist that to our advantage.



If in doubt put in 50-50 kicks and hope for a bounce of a ball or a gaff.



My glass is half full.

Overall on paper the individual Wigan and Leeds players should be fairly evenly matched.



Where Leeds lose out badly by comparison is sat in the stands where there appears to be an absolute gulf in class.



The Challenge Cup always has been and still is about the performance on the day and the underdog tag has not always proved decisive at the final whistle. Perhaps the whole Wembley experience will effect Wigan just as it did Leeds last season, perhaps last year's experience will stand Leeds in good stead, perhaps I need to visit Tescos and stock up on straws.

Clutch these...

I'll stick a first on them and you can pop them over.

bleedin nutter

I'll have Richie Mathers printed on each one first.



Stick 'em in the ground so that Bailey can use them as a training exercise to bulldoze past.

You're a true gent.



Maybe so he can try to skittle him, like he did to Rangi yesterday.



Bailey - classic half back bully.