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.

England Squad Dilemma

At Midday, Roy Hodgson names his squad for the upcoming qualifiers against San Marino and Poland. The main question everybody wants answering is - Who will replace John Terry following his international retirement?

There have been many candidates named, but I believe it is down to two men to replace Terry.

Spurs' Steven Caulker's name was banded around, but yesterday he was called up to the England Under 21 squad, following recent impressive performances. Former captain Rio Ferdinand has been called for a return, but I don't see this possible following recent poor performances and that he is coming towards the end of his career with international retirement looming.

The two men mentioned previously, that Hodgson is expected to name would either Stoke skipper Ryan Shawcross or Newcastle captain Steven Taylor. Shawcross has been called up before by the National team, but he was an unused sub in England's friendly against Egypt in 2010. Steven Taylor was called up to the England squad way back in 2007 for a friendly against Germany, yet again he didn't play a part.



Consistent performer this season, well-worthy of a call-up

Injury plagued in the last two seasons

Personally, I believe Ryan Shawcross is the perfect player to take his position in the England squad for now and for the future. Shawcross is developing and has developed as a footballer, previously I would have questioned his inclusion in the squad, but now he deserves his chance. The Potters skipper is a steady player, who reads the play and breaks play up well, he is also very strong in his own box, as well as the opposition box, scoring 15 goals for Stoke. Steven Taylor has an outside chance, he has been injured over the past two seasons limiting his opportunity, if he hadn't of been injured, he stood a chance to become one of England's best centre halfs for club and country.

In Germany, Michael Mancienne has been tipped to take his place in the squad, following notable performances against Hannover and Monchengladbach. Hamburg's sporting director Frank Arnesen has claimed the former Chelsea defender has been "outstanding", following his transfer to the club last year. Mancienne potentially has more of a chance than Shawcross and Taylor because he can play in two positions in the defensive line, as a centre half and as a right back. Hodgson could potentially call Mancienne up and then not pick a call-up right back to cover for Glen Johnson, meaning Spurs Kyle Walker may miss out.