Rugby League Grand Final

Challenge Cup Champions Warrington Wolves head into their first Grand Final appearance on Saturday against a Leeds Rhino's side who are used to the Grand Final experience at Old Trafford; this will be the Rhino's fifth Grand Final in six years. It is set to be an intriguing night with lots of high quality rugby talent on display.

The Wolves finished second in the normal season, however their opponents the Rhino's finished fifth, yet again. The Rhino's finished in the same position last season and went on to beat St Helens at Old Trafford. In this season's play-off's Warrington lost one to St Helens, however Leeds won all three matches. If Warrington are triumphant on Saturday night, Tony Smith will become the first manager to win the Super League trophy with two teams. Back in 2007, Smith's Leeds Rhino's beat St Helens to win the trophy and this was the spark of Leeds' dominance over recent years.

Leeds welcome back Danny McGuire to the squad following a one game suspension, in the only change from the semi-final victory over the Wigan Warriors; this will add to the experience but quality of the Rhino's side. Kevin Sinfield and Rob Burrow have been named in Brian McDermott's squad. All three have been exceptional for the Rhino's in recent seasons. Their opponents Warrington have named an unchanged 19 man squad after being victorious at Langtree Park last Saturday against St Helens.




Captains Adrian Morley (Warrington Wolves, left) and Kevin Sinfield (Leeds Rhino's, right), with their hands on the trophy, but can Leeds retain it?

This final looks set to be the most open and entertaining final in recent years, but it is a possibility that Warrington's nerves may get the better of them. They have played at a quick tempo throughout the season, creating try scoring opportunities for themselves, but at times leaving themselves open in defence. The Wolves may try to keep it tight, to limit the potential damage the Leeds players can cause through the likes of Burrow, Sinfield and Peacock. Leeds have their potential weaknesses at the back with Kallum Watkins, who at times isn't positionally the greatest and this could leave space for Warrington players to receive the ball through kicks after the fifth tackle.

Referee - Richard Silverwood.

Prediction -  a hard fought final with Leeds prevailing in a close scoring match. Rob Burrow could be the key player for Leeds.