Challenge Cup: Rhinos Confident Heading into Wembley Clash
Leeds Rhinos are gearing up for their 25th Challenge Cup final on Saturday when they take on Hull KR at Wembley. Only Wigan, with 30, have made more appearances in the finale of what's become rugby league's most prestigious knock-out competition.
Leeds are seeking a 13th win - a defeat would set a new record of 13 Challenge Cup final reverses. Crowds of excited fans gathered at Headingley on Thursday to see them on their way to Wembley:
Hull KR have won the Challenge Cup just once, having made seven appearances. It means the Rhinos have the upper hand when it comes to experience in the competition - with just 10 Rhinos players in the squad waiting to make their debut.
Ahead of the much-anticipated event, Radio Aire's been speaking to some of the Rhinos' key players, along with boss Brian McDermott.
KEVIN SINFIELD
*"We'll do what we need to do, get right what we ****need to get right, and turn up on Saturday ready to play."***
He's expected to set a record for most Challenge Cup finals as skipper, having played in six previous finals as captain.
He told Radio Aire he's grateful for the chance to be involved in one last knock-out finale - and hopes he can help bring the trophy home for a second year running:
"Whether it's your final year or its your first year, you want to be involved in big games on the big stage in front of huge crowds and thankfully I get another opportunity to do that on Saturday. I have to say I'm really looking forward to it. I think the guys are really determined to do well and play well, and hopefully we can be good enough.
"I think the boys have been really relaxed about the challenge cup this year. I think because of what happened last year and the approach we had has certainly helped us. We're determined to go there and play as well as we can. We know it's going to be a really tough game, but we'll do what we need to do, get right what we need to get right, and turn up Saturday ready to play.
"We realise that this competition has been one where they've played their best stuff, having beaten Wigan and Warrington already. This is a competition they've really focused on and played well in so we need to make sure we're good on Saturday."
BRETT DELANEY
"It's a one-off event and you don't get any chances"
The Rhinos are clear favourites heading into the match. But the 29-year-old says it's all about what happens in those 80 minutes - because the pitch has no memories:
"It's one of them games. That's why it's so exciting, the Challenge Cup. It's knock-out rugby and Hull KR have shown that, knocking out Warrington a couple of weeks ago. When it comes to Saturday, all bets are off and you've just got to look sharp and get that win.
"It doesn't go on form. It's a one-off event and you don't get any chances. We've just got to turn up there with the right attitude and get the job done.
"We've got a few guys leaving at the end of the season and it'd be good to send them off with another trophy. It'd be the icing on the cake if we got to lift that trophy on Saturday."
DANNY MCGUIRE
"There's less pressure now and we can go out on Saturday and enjoy it"
The 32-year-old has played a big role in the Rhinos' success over the last decade, with six Grand Final wins, three World Club Challenges and last year's Challenge Cup victory to his name.
He told Radio Aire that, while Hull KR could prove to be tough opponents, the pressure has eased compared to last time around:
"There's been a real buzz in training this week. Everyone's excited and realises what lies ahead. We're fortunate enough with players that have played in quite a number of finals so we know how to handle the situation with the week and the preparation. So we feel confident and everyone's bouncing.
"Last year I think we had a massive emphasis on having a good run and a good Challenge Cup campaign but there's probably a lot less pressure now and we can just go out there an enjoy it on Saturday. I think that's the main thing, to enjoy the occasion that comes with playing in finals, and hopefully we can all play well.
"We know we're in for a tough, tough test. Hull KR are a good team and they've had some great wins to get to the final. We're in a good place but nothing's been won yet and we've got plenty of hard work in front of us."
BRIAN MCDERMOTT
"The fear of not losing isn't there this year. But there's no less desire to win."
This is McDermott's fourth Challenge Cup final in charge. He's included forwards Mitch Achurch and Brad Singleton in his 19-man squad, who'll be hoping to make their Wembley debuts after missing out on last year's victory over Castleford.
He told Radio Aire he's going into it feeling much more relaxed this time:
"I think the preparation is the key. If you can prep well and focus on the correct things and ultimately nail what you're going to do on game day it takes you closer to the win. But I think the fear of not losing isn't there this year. There's no less desire and in actual fact, winning there ranks up with the best feelings I've ever had and I'm sure the players who've been in all those losses will say it was THE best feeling they've ever had.
"So probably our desire has increased. But the fear of losing is not there and it probably makes our prep and our build-up less stressful."
When asked how it'd feel to win, McDermott told us it would be even better than last year:
"It'd be brilliant. To win last year and to have your hand shaken by other members of staff, players, club owners, fans, the people that work in the kitchen, the cleaners - and to see what it means to all those that you've won - it's quite a humbling experience.
"You just know it's not about you, it's about what the club wants, and we're all part of a fantastic club. So we represent loads and loads of people on Saturday and we want to go out and do a great job for them."