Leigh Leopards set to take on Hull KR in Challenge Cup final of dreams
They're playing at Wembley for the first time in 52 years
Last updated 12th Aug 2023
Leigh Leopards are preparing for a dream Challenge Cup final clash with Hull KR at Wembley.
The last time the Leopards were in the finals was in 1971 - when the side were lead to a 24-7 victory over Leeds by player-coach Alex Murphy.
The Leopards have defied pre-season predictions that they would struggle on their Super League comeback and, with just half a dozen matches of the regular campaign left, Lam's side are currently joint second.
Head Coach Adrian Lam thinks today's clash will be an exciting game for all to watch.
Speaking at this week's press conference, he said: "We've certainly earned our right to be there, and so have Hull KR. I think, in regards to exposure the games going to get, two teams that haven't been there for over fourty years just makes it so exciting for fans and for rugby league"
"It's incredible to think 12 months ago we were playing the curtain-raiser game in the Championship final. So to think 12 months later we'll be in this position playing in this game is just incredible - it's amazing"
Meanwhile, Alex Murphy himself thinks the Leopards will go all the way and emulate the legendary 1971 victory. Murphy, now 84, told the PA news agency: "They've had a good start to the season and it's a great achievement to get there,"
"There have been a lot of very tough times but Derek Beaumont, the chairman, deserves a big pat on the back. He has steered them through thick and thin.
"I think it will be a magnificent occasion. When I took Leigh to Wembley, there was nobody left in the town. It was a tremendous turnout but I think this one will be even better.
Leigh Leopards game against Hull KR kicks off at 3pm today