The key battles that could separate Leigh and Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final

Leigh have won both the league clashes between the sides this season.

Published Aug 10, 2023

Saturday’s improbable Betfred Challenge Cup final at Wembley pits Willie Peters’ exciting and expansive Hull KR against a Leigh side led by Adrian Lam who have taken this season by storm.

For Rovers it means a chance to erase the memories of their last final appearance in 2015 when they were hammered 50-0 by Leeds – whilst Leigh’s last involvement in the sport’s showpiece event came way back in 1971.

Here, the PA news agency picks out the four key areas which could determine whether Peters’ men or Lam’s in-form Leopards emerge with the trophy.

Hooker: Jez Litten v Edwin Ipape

Leigh Leopards v Hull KR – Betfred Super League – Leigh Sports Village — Jez Litten (centre) and Edwin Ipape (left) will face off at Wembley (Martin Rickett/PA)

Halves: Brad Schneider v Lachlan Lam

Leeds Rhinos v Hull KR – Betfred Super League – Headingley Stadium — Brad Schneider has made a dramatic impact since arriving at Hull KR (Mike Egerton/PA)

Threequarters: Shaun Kenny-Dowall v Josh Charnley

Forwards: Elliot Minchella v John Asiata

Leigh Leopards v Salford Red Devils – Betfred Super League – Leigh Sports Village — John Asiata (left) has led from the front for Leigh this season (Martin Rickett/PA)