Final: Hull FC v Wigan Warriors Rugby League: Challenge Cup

Today it plays host to the rugby league Challenge Cup final between

Hull FC and Wigan Warriors. It will be fast, furious, physical and

hopefully phenomenal. final between Hull FC and Wigan

Warriors. It is going to be final between Hull FC and Wigan

Warriors. It is going to fast, furious, physical and hopefully

phenomenal. Now, ladies and gentlemen, you all

know this so you join me in the chorus, and if you don't know the

words, whistle it. In Lancashire, babies don't toddle, they sidestep.

Sam Tomkins. It is brilliant. And as they grow, they become great

entertainers. Josh Lynham, across the line, he has done it!

Tremendously well worked try. A town full of energy, passion and verve.

In the middle of the field and he scores, he does! What a try! It must

be one of the all-time great tries at Wembley. This is northern soul.

This is Wigan. Then there's the white phone box,

Philip Larkin and the housemartins. What a beautiful move. He's over!

Well, my word, what a move. Loyalties run deep in Hull. This is

the cultured city. We always thought culture was Robbie and fish and

chips and now we are seeing it is more, it is art, it is history. --

was rugby and fish and chips. Two places 100 miles apart. But

united in their love for rugby league. In these streets, the

greatest game is more than simple entertainment. Burgess with a kick

back down the medal, McIlorum, what a wonderful try! It's a way of life.

And absolutely miraculous pass away! It is the current holders. No more

can they say they never won admiringly because they have won at

Wembley. Against the record holders. Wigan's incredible Challenge Cup run

continues. Growing up, it always felt like the Challenge Cup final

was played on a sunny afternoon and it is a sunny day in north-west

London. The fans of Hull and Wigan and the beauty of the Challenge Cup

final you get fans of all clubs coming to this great day out. But

for the two sets of men, it is most important. Hull, the Challenge Cup

owners, willing it -- winning it at Wembley last year. Danny Houghton,

so influential 12 months ago. Will he do it again or will Sean

O'Loughlin and the Wigan team, Sam Tomkins, of course, get their hands

back on the Challenge Cup. Shaun Wane's side, of course, the cup

kings, the team who have won it more than any other rugby league side. We

are a lie that Wembley Stadium, as you can see, it is not too busy

inside the stadium, fans making full use of the sunshine and the bar

inside the stadium. And why wouldn't you? If you want to

get involved, you can throughout the afternoon, we would love to leave

your views on the game which everyone seems to think is too tight

to call. You can drop us a tweet through the day, and we will hear

plenty of opinions from these three men as well. Whatever you may have

thought over the course of the season, we don't pick them randomly,

we picked them for their expertise, all three of them... No, we do!

Jamie Peacock, Jon Wilkin and Brian Noble have all got history with the

Challenge Cup. Brian has still got that suit, actually. They have all

had their hands on it as winners and Jamie, it is a special day. It is an

incredible day as a player and a coach and when you look forward to,

one you dream about playing as a young boy. You want to come down to

Wembley, play in the game, hopefully not look like Jon there. It is an

amazing day, to get the opportunity as a young rugby league found to do

that, to the trophy is what this game is built about, and the history

and the tradition is ingrained in the sport, to lift the cup as a

coach or player is a dream. It is a fabulous occasion and you try to

savour every moment, players and coaches find that difficult until it

is all done, one way or the other but the fans can afford to enjoy

that but so many emotions built around it. Starting with you, I said

it's too close to call and later we will find out who you are tipping

but you can put a fine sheet of paper between the teams, can't you?

You can and if you look at Hull's Challenge Cup form, you would

slightly go to them with some of the games they have got over the line,

beating Castleford and leads along the way. Wigan have had a resurgence

recently in the league. They have got their best team back on deck.

Genuinely it is really close. I think both teams are really

confident in relation to what they can pick up today. Jamie? Wigan

slightly edged it for me. Both of these sites are the best teams in

the country at the moment. They might not be the most consistent but

they can raise their game to a level other clubs cannot at the moment. I

think Wigan have got just enough in their armoury to edge it, they've

got their best players back, they are in form and some of the best

players can break again. The best two teams in the country? Yeah.

Castleford fans, get in touch on Twitter to make your point Jamie

Peacock! Let's look at the teams, starting with Hull, Jon Wilkin, take

us through. Full of power, this Hull side, at the back of the field we

have Jamie Shaul, Mahe Fonua, and Talanoa. In the centres, Carlos

Tuimavave the and Josh Griffin, two big, powerful centres, aggressive.

In the half-backs, Albert Kelly and Marc Sneyd, who will be in charge of

directing Hull around. When I mentioned some of the fans

have gone to the bar to get ready for this game, maybe the graphics

team have gone to the bar as well but it looks like they have got

their finger on the button, ready to go! Shall we try again? Can you

remember what you said first time? No, we will make it up. The Hull

back three are very powerful. Jamie Shaul, dynamic, bring it all

together. The centres are regressive, Josh Griffin and Carlos

Tuimavave, watch for them attacking Sam Tomkins and George Williams. In

the heart, Albert Kelly will make some thing happened and Marc Sneyd

will look to kick Wigan to death. In the front row, the big men, Scott

Taylor, Danny Houghton's workrate is exceptional, and Liam Watts. In the

back row, huge amount of experience and this is one of the strength for

me, Seeker Manu, Gareth Ellis and Minichiello, all world-class back

rows. Big fellows on the bench, Jake Connor, who will come on as a

half-back and kick the ball, and Josh Bowden will carry the ball

strongly. And finally, Danny Washbrook and Chris Green finish

this Hull side. I think what you will hear over the course of the

next 50 minutes before kick-off is the talk about the physicality of

the Hull team and the difference in the kicking game between the two

teams and we will explore that and expand on it before kick-off. Now,

fingers crossed, Brian will take you through the Wigan team. It is a

return to form for the sensational Sam Tomkins, who is physical --

pivotal to Wigan's aspiration, alongside Tom Davies and Joe

Burgess. Joe Grima pack, Anthony Gelling, partnering Oliver Gildart.

In the half-backs, no less a challenge for them as for their Hull

counterparts, Thomas Leuluai why's organisational skills and George

Williams' running game. And a big front row, Lewis Oliva, the

massively experience Michael McIlorum, and Tony Clubb. And the

back three with Sean O'Loughlin as the captain, surely pivotal day

alongside John Bateman and Liam Farrell. On the bench, mightily

important, the vastly experienced Willie Isa and local product Ryan

Sutton. Sam Powell will best Michael McIlorum at some stage, so look out

for the explosion of Taulima Tautai. Brian, one of the great things about

a Challenge Cup final, about any final actually, is the reaction of

the players when they first come out onto the pitch and see Wembley and

gauge the atmosphere. When they did that a bit earlier, Damian Johnson

and Tanya were there to pick up their reactions.

Familiar territory view, 450 appearances and counting but days

like this, you can't get enough of? You can't and it is what makes these

career highlights, days like today, even coming in and arriving here

today it sinks in, how special it is, how lucky we are to be involved.

Really good to be back, it seems like two minutes ago but it is four

years since we have been here and it seems a long time now. We are here

to do a job and hopefully we can come away with a victory. It will be

a tough game, especially against Hull, who were doing really well.

Pretty scary, sitting here, looking at how big it is, it is more nervous

when there is no one in here, quite, the team were running and I felt a

bit more nervous than I would be if it was full so looking forward to it

being fat. It is my first experience at Wembley, a massive honour for me

to play you and I can't wait. We've got a role to play today, we are on

a mission. 80 minutes determines whether we come away with a win or

not. Obviously, your dad won a medal with Wigan here. What has he told

you about the experience? He just said to enjoy it, you don't get the

chance to come to Wembley often so embrace it and take it in and it's a

game of rugby so enjoy it. I bet he will be as nervous as you watching?

Yes, I think it is worse out there but I want to get the win for my

family today and make them proud. Wigan have always had the experience

of finals and we've had a tough run and knocked out some top teams on

the way here. We've both owned the right to be here and I believe we

both have big-game players in our team so it will be to the death

today. I've got a lot of family coming, 20 odd will be here which is

nice. It makes it extra special. Especially being where it is, it is

such an iconic place, Wembley. Not too far from home which is nice. Not

far to travel. It is a really strong defence against another strong

defence and if it takes 80 minutes, we are prepared to do it but today

is about getting our hands back on the trophy and we will do all it

takes to win it. Let's take a look at some of the statistics involving

both teams. Hull a bit older and they are also heavier as well,

particularly when you look at the backs. They are a stone per man

heavier than Wigan. And because their Challenge Cup win came last

year, they've got more Challenge Cup winners in the squad than Wigan

have. How imported, Jamie, will the difference in weight be? I think it

is important if Hull keep hold of the ball.

Big is beautiful when you can keep hold of the ball, you can get on the

front foot and play the power game and Hull beat Castleford and leads

by playing the power game, getting the back free on the front foot,

carrying the ball hard and the forwards running hard and if they

can do that and have a large percentage of possession, they could

be unstoppable almost. But Wigan are athletic and can capitalise on that

as well. Without doubt, it is Hull's Power versus Wigan's fitness and

technical ability but for me, Hull's outside backs are fantastic, Mahe

Fonua and Talanoa, look out for them carrying the ball a dummy half,

making easy yards on the first few players and off the back of that,

Tuimavave and Griffin, two big like to carry the ball and they are very

direct. Hull's physicality and sizes their strength but it would be a

weakness today. In these conditions. It is really warm and if they don't

respect possession and come up with errors, it will play to Wigan's and

because they are more dynamic and fit. For a coach, how much would you

pay attention to the number of Challenge Cup winners in either

squad? Is it a bit of an abnormal -- an anomaly because Hull only won

last year? I think the experience aspect is overrated, what we are

trying to say to the view is if it is about performance on the date and

the two guys here have picked up on a couple of crucial things. In and

around the ruck, where the big boys are, winning the ground, vitally

important for me alone. The kicking game could be the difference. If

Hull can get a good start and have got the energy going, it is going to

be hard for Wigan and the difference in kicking, I don't think Wigan have

quite replaced Matty Smith in relation to kicking the ball on. Do

you genuinely think big-game experience is something that the

media are obsessed with more than you guys involved? I think it is

important but the statistic is, Wigan have to play in World Club

Challenge is and they understand the routine of the game, and the only

thing that will sap the energy is a few of the boys have not played at

Wembley and it is energy sapping in the tunnel and out on the pitch and

they won't understand that but I think the big-game capacity and the

ability to win those games, Wigan have got that. Wigan's resurgence

has come about by getting their key players back in position and we will

speak about Sam Tomkins a lot, George Williams, O'Loughlin, Michael

McIlorum, those players in key positions. I was alluding to the

fact that experience was not important but you have to perform

when you have that experience, relate it to everyone else and

getting it on the field. It is pointless just looking at people who

are experienced, you've got to rock up and perform, come out on the big

stage and be calm and that experience Jamie is talking about

gives you that familiarity to be a bit more relaxed and comfortable in

your role. You don't worry about the occasion because you understand it,

the big game, you just worry about your own performance. You have far

more effort thinking about your performance than the occasion. We

have plenty to come between now and kick-off. From Leigh to London, we

look back on the road to Wembley. Lee Radford is the Hull coach who is

full of character and Brian Noble went to meet him and his wife at

home. Wigan are looking for their 20th cup win but how are they

preparing? They gave us special access at their big breakfast. What

is the greatest final? Lots to choose from but 1985 was not bad. If

somehow you have not seen those highlights, you are in for a treat.

Who will come out on top today? Our pundits will look at this fabulous

final's potential game breakers. Plenty to come then, this is the

71st match of this season's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup so the road

to Wembley has been an entertaining one and BBC sport has been there

ever since -- every step of the way. In any given year, the road to

Wembley is paved with skill, spectacle and surprise.

2017 has been no different. Following standout wins by Wigan,

and Siddle in the early rounds, rugby league when Trans Atlantic in

Round 3 as the Toronto Wolfpack are rugby league's Globetrotters, made

their professional debut against Siddle. In torrential conditions,

Adam Sidlow cross to seal the win for the Wolfpack. Rugby league had

taken a giant leap into the muddy unknown. March and more history was

made by Haydock as they began the lowest ranked side to reach this

stage, but they were not a match for Goldust. And then the Challenge Cup

travelled to the edge of the Lake District where Whitehaven were

beaten soundly by Halifax. Round 6 saw the competition take

flight as Castleford book on -- but on a masterclass against a

struggling St Helens. Minikin! Wow! Castleford! That tells you their

story! 31-4 up at half-time before a brilliant Greg Eden hat-trick in the

second half. Castleford, mesmeric. Next, Warrington hosted Wigan and

this one went down to the wire. Sam Tomkins' drop goal looked to have

won it but a late Kurt Gidley try made it a 1-point game. There is the

class. Cue the drama, Stefan Ratchford with a chance to win it.

Has he got in? No, it's gone wide. And then on the hooter. Last play of

the game, he has put it over! That was the point that could have kept

their season alive! Wigan advance. The final four kicked off with

holders Hull, who had eliminated Castleford in the quarterfinals,

against Leeds Rhinos. Leeds took the early initiative. Ryan Hall! He's

dancing with delight. But Hull powered back to lead at the break.

And absolutely miraculous pass the way so Chris Green scores! And then

a try from the men in black and white, Scott Taylor with the final

word. Hull return to Wembley. In their second semifinal, Salford took

an Wigan, and the Warriors raced into a 12-0 lead before Salford

bravely fought back. Dobson's little kick to the in-goal area. I think

they got there! But semifinal glory runs through the blood for the men

in Jerry and white. Gildart crowns the win. Wigan through to their 31st

Challenge Cup final. Jon Wilkin, when you look at how

both teams have got here, who's impressed you more? Hull because

they have been big-game's entertainers this season, beating

Castleford and Leeds, who are Super League's. Do? I thought the most

impressive performance of all was Hull against Castleford. I thought

that was an exceptional execution of a really simple game plan.

Absolutely demolishing Castleford, who were informed. For me, out of

all those performances, Hull with the stand-up performance and

although their form in Super League has been a bit indifferent of late,

in the cup they have been exceptional and they will attack

this game full of confidence. Wigan, on the other hand, their Super

League form was scratchy but they've used the cup to get themselves going

and they are in the Challenge Cup final now, coming into great form.

Ryan, give them credit because their Super League form was scratchy so

they have had to battle. It was a battle at Warrington to get

themselves to the semifinal. An absolute battle and getting the

troops back as well, Tomkins is back on top of his game and the spine is

there. Both teams will create opportunities today and taking those

opportunities will be absolutely vital. We might see some special

defensive plays in relation to both teams that might get them over the

line. We are going to find out a bit more about how both teams are

preparing for this afternoon's match, now, going into the dressing

rooms of both teams with our two time Challenge Cup winner Robbie

Hunter Paul. Once again, the BBC Sport's inside

information and access to behind-the-scenes, that probably in

most other sports you don't get. There's a lot of space in the

changing room, toilets down there, dressing areas for the support

staff. Have a look, they even have hairdryers but I'm not sure why they

will need those for rugby players. Looking at the background, players

getting massages and also getting stripped in the background, a

separate room for that. Come into the main changing room itself, music

playing in the background, very relaxed at this point. In the next

15-20 minutes, it will stop to tighten up as we get closer to kick

off and it will become more serious. Have a quick look at the

preparation, water, coconut water or lined up, some of it even peach

flavoured, carbohydrates and water and a whole host of different

supplements to get all the players ready for what they've got to do.

Come through into this room, a bit of an exercise space where the

players are using rollers, stretching, making sure they are

doing their own self massage and then just throwing the ball a little

bit, throwing the ball around. This is how the players prepare for these

massive, massive games. Rob Lee's microphone obviously not

working in the Wigan dressing room as well as it was in the Hull

dressing room. -- Robbie's. When you are getting ready to come out for

one of these games, did you prefer to mill around, did you stretch, did

you want to throw the ball around? How did you prepare? Reds I was

quite relaxed towards the back end of the grid, and experience of

several finals and just enjoying it and probably with about 30 minutes

to go I would start to switch on, headphones would go on, I would

realise I was about to go out there and try to hurt some people and get

the kill switch flicked on. Go out there and play my game and with

about 20 minutes to go, I would start speaking to people in and

around, we know the game plan, we know what we're doing, have a word

with the younger players, telling them to enjoy the occasion and play

the game and make the most of it. And experience guys have a big part

to play in dressing rooms before those games and some of those

experienced players will be going around, offering little bits of

wisdom, executing a game plan, talking about some really basic

things to get them into the game. At the same time, you have to know who

is receptive to that and maybe who wants to be left alone? The modern

dressing room is slightly different to the ones I've played in the past.

Headphones on, the lads are the phone, it is different. I think it

is to be a different environment. The changing room is a challenge

these days, let me tell you but some people are receptive to feedback and

chat and others will stand and growl in the mid--- in a mirror, some will

tie their shoelaces are certain way. I'm wondering how different we are,

did they have hairdryers in your day? Ghribi or Parliamentary group

on Rugby league should ask for hairdryers in changing rooms. -- the

all Parliamentary group on rugby league. I would put my money on you

being the one that was standing in front of the mirror, not necessarily

growling, though. Fingers crossed that Robbie Hunter Paul's microphone

has been plugged in and now we can go into the Wigan dressing room.

Now I'm in the Wigan dressing room and as you can see, they have made

it a home away from home. More than two of the club's legend on the

field on the walls of the changing room. Very much like the last

changing room, set up pretty much almost exactly the same. Strapping

on the one side, hairdryers again on the other, with the toilet and

everything and then into the changing room. Very different to the

other one because obviously, the music was playing and it was a lot

more relaxed. These guys are a lot more focused, there is mood lighting

and you can see the guys are the programme, potentially about

themselves or trying to take their mind off what they are going to do

in the following 90 minutes. Very serious, very different set up to

the room and what they are doing here, this is the room where they

get their mind on the job, to focus on the 90 minutes they've got ahead.

Outside the room, probably a bit more relaxed, inside Beazer is like

a hallowed turf so we will leave them to crack on with the job.

-- inside the room. LAUGHTER I love the come it is series,

everyone's being focused and then Anthony Gelling ASBOs into the

camera! Blogging Robbie Hunter ball out of the water. He has a bit but I

find the difference in the changing rooms really interesting. Looks

pretty serious, nothing happens by chance and I imagine that is

something Wigan have researched and maybe they believe it helps

performance along the way. The thing I love about rugby league is it is

full of characters and Anthony Gelling is a quiet character, one of

the things I love about being in a dressing room with people like that.

Wigan have beaten Hull three times in the Challenge Cup final. One of

them was 32 years ago, 1985, arguably the best final there has

ever been been shown numerous times but it is always worth another view

and after we have seen the highlights, we will get the views of

our commentary team to find out their memories of the day. Let's go

back to the future of 1985. Run the tape!

This is rugby league at its very best! James! Brilliant sidestep,

what a majestic piece of rugby league. Superb drive from Kenny! He

has got the speed,! Tremendously well worked try! He can make

himself, if he does. Edwards! He has got a way. No problem! And

he's in, yes, Leuluai. To Divorty, is Ian, yes, he is! Is this going to

be a grandstand finish or not. A tremendous drive. And there's the

hooter! What a game! An incredible match, 28-24, Wigan.

We are at the statue outside Wembley Stadium, the five Wembley Legends of

rugby league, that final, 1985, 32 years ago, is still etched on so

many people's memories, including John Kear, who watched the game that

day. It had such an impact, that final, on the game as a whole. It

took the game to another level, fantastic skill level, ten tries out

there, fantastic rugby league players, Ferguson on one side, Peter

Siddle on the other commie could go through the hole but they'll play to

their potential that day and it was one of the feature final. Djuricin

and babies, watching that final commutes to play rugby union in

those days, was that one of the reasons you came to rugby league. --

and Jonathan Davies. It was a great occasion for every sports fan. It

was a great day for rugby league, a great occasion and they are great

games. Whether they are the drive best of 85, I remember Haydn 's

knocking Alex Murphy getting sent off in 71, I was nine years old. It

is one of those things, every rugby club watched the Challenge Cup final

and it was one of the rain -- main reasons I wanted to play. When you

mixed with the rugby league boys, you could see the desire of going to

be was huge. A family connection today because James Leuluai scored

the last great try in that game and his son Thomas plays today for

Wigan. Tommy is a different type of player to James, Tommy is more of an

organiser. If Wigan are going to win, he will be important but you

look at his battle against Marc Sneyd and that will be vital, who

gets the best of the kicking game, who organises the team the better.

The contrast in styles, this could be a classic, the heavy Hull team,

controlling the ball, difficult to beat but then it is a warm day and

the speed of Tomkins, and the Wigan outside backs, they could be

influential. No one can predict a clear winner. There is no clear

favourite so hopefully it will be a classic. Going back to 1985, we saw

one of the best wingers of his generation, John Ferguson, and in

Kenyan sterling, two of the best players all time. -- Kenny and

Stirling. Without a doubt, it is probably one of the best wins I have

seen, I had a good sidestep in my day, that is how good he was and

with Stirling and Kenny, they were of the game and their game was

fantastic. We had the iconic commentary from that particular day

so another classic delay? Definitely. We're keeping our

fingers crossed. Mark, the atmosphere outside is building

nicely. They are wondering where you are but we're having a great time

and looking forward to what will hopefully be a classic.

No, they are not! The atmosphere is building inside Wembley as well. We

are half an hour away from kick-off, Hull against Wigan in the 2017

Challenge Cup final. Both sides out and warming up at the moment. Of

course, tradition courses through the veins of the Challenge Cup so

before kick-off, we always have the traditional hymn of abide with me.

There are some of the performers, there. Tanya is pitch side with a

woman who will be leading it all. This year it will be sung by 23 Rod

Kathleen Greene. Tell us and you have ended up being Abide With Me.

There was a competition and I made it to the finals and here I am. How

did you find out you have one? The Rugby Football League e-mailed me,

congratulating me and posted it to my friends on Facebook. It was

amazing. And here you are, but the family is not here, how will they

hear you singing? I'm going to have do film it and put it on Facebook in

a live stream because they are back home in Hong Kong. It is a heck of a

platform for you at 23. Hoping a bit more work will come from it? Fingers

crossed! Croenen I'm quite nervous but I

think it will go great. It is a supportive crowd. I don't think I

will have any problems. I've heard you and I'm sure you will be

fantastic, enjoy it. Thank you. We wish her the best of luck with

that. We are going to focus on the holders of big Challenge Cup, Hull

FC, and the man who is the focus of our focus is Lee Radford. Shut up,

you three! Lee Radford, their head coach. We sent a very special guest

around to his. Brian. How are we doing? I

understand you need a bit of advice for the big game coming up. You must

have the wrong house, sorry. Radders?

What's the best thing about him? LAUGHTER

How long have you got? The best thing is his dress sense.

LAUGHTER You went and got married in season,

the golden rule. I was forced into it. I didn't have a choice, it was

now or never. We have been engaged for 20 years and I had the

ultimatum. Did you actually give him the ultimatum? No, the honest truth

is he took me away on a really romantic weekend, he even got down

on won joint and did it all properly. The one reason, even

though the happy occasion it was, you are still the only man in the

north of England to make a profit at your own wedding. I did bump up the

beer prices are little on the day but I'm led to believe that happens

at all weddings. There were one or two disgruntled customers, I'm led

to believe. Did you ever think you would be a coach? Something I

enjoyed early in my career, I'd like to think my experiences as a player

have best prepared me, I think, for hopefully a long and successful

coaching career. Is it different the week of the big-game? He goes a bit

more serious, I think. He just seems really mature that week at home. It

is true, though. COMMENTATOR: Listen to the noise of

the Black and Whites! I have to ask misses Radford this

question, not 18 months prior to that it was banners all over the

place, Radders out, how did you cope with that? I just left him to deal

with Halladay he could. He's the kind of guy, everything thrown at

him, it is fuel on the fire. For the children I felt sorry for them, the

eldest was starting big school and he would come off the bus absolutely

heartbroken because they were chanting Radford out and your dad is

going to get sacked. It does go full circle and he's got over those hard

times and now he can go to school and say look what my dad has done

kind of thing. What would it mean to knock it off a second time? As a

group and aside, we would go down in history and that is something you

only get so many opportunities to do within your career. I hope it's a

spectacle. If we turn up we are as good as anyone in the competition. I

am fully aware of that, the players are fully aware of that, we just

have to make sure that in any form of knockout rugby it's about who

turns up on the day and who takes their opportunities. He is really

boring. LAUGHTER

If you win you might get a glass of wine and a bit of a conversation? We

might even get to it pot of tea, might even make a personal

appearance. And as well as welcoming us into his

house, Lee Radford is also going to wear our player microphone today so

we can hear his thoughts over the course of the 80 minutes. I thought

in that interview, Brian, one been testing things was how his wife and

his children had reacted to when he was under pressure with Radford out,

he can deal it and use it to fire him and the players up -- one of the

interesting things. When you are a fan, football, rugby league,

whatever, it is about community and you love having one of us as your

manager and your players and yet there is a price to pay for that if

you are so ingrained in the community as Lee Radford is.

Absolutely, he is a Hull boy through and through and the extra scrutiny

that goes with that, going for a pint of milk at the local shop, the

shopkeeper asks what you were doing at the weekend, his parents and

family will go to the game every week, the scrutiny, not only from

the board of directors and fans, everywhere he goes he will not get a

rest from the opinions. It is a high profile job in Super League and he

has done any credible job. When I played with him at Bradford ten

years ago he was coaching at an amateur level already and it is

fantastic how he has turned the club around, brought them their first

silverware at Wembley, the reason why I think most fans were having a

go at his kids is because there would not dare to say anything to

lead himself. He has broad shoulders but in a position of responsibility

scrutiny and pressure comes but Lee Radford has shown he can deal with

that. Any coach or a person in a position where that many people are

looking at you, you must accept criticism and praise in the same

breath because that's sport, it's about criticism and praise in equal

measure and he, more than anyone, understands that. And you understand

it when you are in the sport but it's unfair on your family but that

comes with the territory? Absolutely, we had a fantastic

reflection from Paula, they have their coping mechanisms, she doesn't

go to a lot of games, she leaves it to leak because if you let it affect

you too much it will affect your coaching performance and he is very

strong, as Jamie said -- leave it to Lee every player and coach has to

cope with being in the spotlight. I think it is different, it is all

right justifying the coach's family receiving abuse when the side is not

going well but I don't think that should be part of the territory, if

the fan has a problem it should be the coach they deal with, not with

the family, the wife and children. That's life, isn't it? But that

doesn't make it right. It is not right or wrong but it happens and we

have all probably been victims of it and seen it and it's not right. But

Lee Radford has a fantastic tool set and able to deal with it. Let's find

out how Hull will play this afternoon, Robbie as their game

plan. One of the big advantages for the

Hull FC team must be the size of their pack, they have a few stone on

the opposition but the real advantage has to be with the outside

backs, Carlos Tuimavave, Talanoa, Fonua, Griffin, they are the size of

front row players and explosive like them, they break of the opposition's

defensive line and keep them on the back foot and it is relentless, five

tackles against forwards. These are the big boys of the game and the

guys that keep you under a world of pressure. When they do their job

properly you end up having the half-backs being able to deliver

their ability and their structure in time and space on the field, and

none other than this guy, Marc Sneyd, to do just that. I will see

if I can grab him as he is practising kicks. Hours preparation

gone this week? It has been awesome, fairly light, I suppose, but we need

as much energy as we can commit is boiling hot down here again. We seem

to be prepared pretty well. Does kicking become even more important

when the conditions are like so? Probably. We prefer position on the

pitch and hopefully keeping possession as best we can as well.

Yes, it probably does. The very best of luck.

STUDIO: We are going to stay Prichard and bring in Tanya Arnold

who has breaking news as regards the teams. Young Tom Davis on the wing

is out, he has had a recurrence of the ankle injury that kept him out

of the last couple of weeks. Marshall comes in for Wigan. He's

been scoring tries for fun this year and made the wing position this

season his own many times. Marshall in four Tom Davis. You've got a feel

for Tom Davis, haven't you? Absolutely. Marshall is a pretty

decent replacement, he can score a try, he has scored some sensational

efforts this season but you clearly feel for Tom Davis. Marshall is a

strong ball-carrier, so it is like for like, great to have that depth

in the squad. We have focused on Hull, let's focus on Wigan who are

trying to dethrone the cup holders, they invited George Riley to their

hotel yesterday for a big team breakfast.

Wembley week is a week like no other really for a rugby league player.

You get to stay in places like this for a start which is nice and Wigan

have been kind enough to invite me along for breakfast. When we talk

about the Wembley week, staying in places like this. It is a bit flash.

It is, look at these flip-flops, I will take them home, along with a

few other things! As captain, as the experienced man, do you have to tell

the players how they need to save it because this type of thing doesn't

come around all the time? I was involved in finals for a long time

and then there was a big gap between playing in any and winning any. For

a lot of the boys this will be the first one but it helps a big chunk

have had the experience and that will go a long way to calming the

nerves. How much of a buzz do you still get from occasions like this,

Sam? Massive buzz, there is no bigger stage than playing at

Wembley. Whether it is the first final, or for people who have been

in a massive number of them you never lose the buzz of playing on a

big stage. 2011, my first Challenge Cup, looking back I didn't enjoy the

week I was back nervous, it gets easier the more you do it and I've

been able to enjoy it from the minute we played Salford last Friday

I've been looking forward to getting down here. It is different and you

can do as much as you can to help the young lads and tell them to

relax and get excited about it but everyone has their own way of

dealing with it. The players all room together and hopefully I will

find a couple in here now, I'm a little concerned about what we are

going to walk into. I will see if they are in. Dare we?

CHUCKLES This is awkward. You have made

yourself at home. Settling in together. I am feeding him grapes,

like we usually do. Are all of the beds this close together? Not

usually. We are using the excuse of somebody will fall in the gap. How

much of an inspiration has Tony Clubb been? He had a kidney removed

and here he is on the eve of a cup final. The boys felt for him when he

went through that tough time with the kidney. At one point we were

fingers crossed he would come through it and he has done. I had

surgery on my spine, in between that I lost my dad, and two days later I

got told I was having my kidney taken at. It has been a tough year.

How on earth have you been able to take that in your stride? My wife

was fantastic and so were my kids, and just being here with these men,

they have really looked after me. Shaun Wane was fantastic.

Surrounding myself with good people. Take us into the tunnel, you are

waiting, a few minutes to go, can you enjoy it? I think you can, so

many teams are trying to do what we're doing and we have an

opportunity and if you don't enjoy it you are missing out on something.

This has stoked the hunger for the boys and it disappeared to try and

get our hands on. One of the beauties of the Challenge

Cup final is that you get people watching, fingers crossed, who have

not watched rugby league before and they might be looking for a team to

support today. They might be going for Hull on the basis of our great

Lee Radford and his wife were at home but having seen that they might

take Wigan simply for the human interest story of Tony Clubb. You

can't underestimate how difficult a time Tony Clubb has been through. I

played through losing my dad from cancer but not through having a

kidney operation and an operation on my spine. It is going to be a very

tough time for him today. If he can come through and play well he

deserves a medal as much as anybody on the field. Jamie, thank you. We

are going back picture to get the Wigan game plan from Robbie. The key

to this Wigan's side success in the recent past has got to be in the way

they have been able to control the speed of the play-the-ball and the

ruck which comes down to the big boys. Nuuausala. O'Loughlin. The big

Strong boys in the middle of the park dictate how quickly the

opposition can play-the-ball. They will need to do that against a

massive Hull FC side. If they do it right and slow the play-the-ball

down when they want to and they are able to release the ball to the key

playmakers like George and Lulu like they will be able to release this

guy, Sam Tomkins. I will have a quick word with Sam. You are one of

the more experienced players in the side, lots of debutants in the

Challenge Cup final. Any words of influence? Yes, we spoke about it

all week, everybody at the club knows the importance, although we

have lots of young lads, they have experienced Grand Finals, for a few

of them. A few lads have not been honest age this big that they are

prepared well. The very best of luck. Jon Wilkin, every player

evolves over the cause of his career and Sam Tomkins will be no

different. But has he balled over the course of this season as well? I

think so. For those who don't know Sam had a horrific lower limb injury

at the start of the year and when we look back at the start of Sam's

career and the iconic drive from the 2011 Challenge Cup final, Sam's

elusive running style, his balance, and his running typified him as a

player and made him such a dangerous player. He created opportunities

with his running game. He has had to adapt how he plays. That being said,

recently we have seen the elusive running style back, great footwork

here against Hull to slip over in what was a wet cup final. Sam's

threat as he can score points, creates chances, and in terms of the

direction of the team, takes pressure off George Williams who

bears a heavy load. He is a very smart kid, Sam. He will put his head

in where it hurts, you can see where he broke the line. He brings

composure to this Wigan side, and experience, and having spoken to him

during the week, he feels his injury is patting, he is training with the

team all the time and he is leg is 100% and he can concentrate on his

plate. He's been Wigan's standout player and he comes in full of form

with the key parts of the Wigan team starting to click and it's no

coincidence Sam Tomkins is coming back to his best and Wigan have won

games recently. I will add one name to the mix, Sean O'Loughlin, John

has already alluded to the fact that Tuimavave and Griffin, the centres

for Hull will try and close the play down for Wigan but O'Loughlin has a

pass over the top that might expose that strategy. We are going to hear

from both coaches who have been talking to Tanya.

A chance to retain the trophy and make history, how big a motivation

is that? The motivating factor is winning the Challenge Cup in itself,

that is huge for us as a group. That is what we strive towards all

season, it is what we set out to achieve at the beginning of the

season, so if we can do that it would be farm in all. Some people

are saying Wigan are favourites. I don't know, it is irrelevant to me,

it is who turns up and who takes opportunities on the day. There is

not a great deal between the sides in terms of quality. Our preparation

has gone really well. I don't know how it has gone for Wigan but what I

can tell you is we will come to the party. Is Marc Sneyd P today?

Obviously for us hugely, his kicking game is influential and Kelly, he is

renowned for drifting out of the game for 20 minutes and coming up

with three sucker punches, he has that X factor and hopefully we will

see that today. People cannot split the two of you. What will be the key

for you to get over the line? Have to make sure we do our

one-on-one is an win them, they are bigger than us, we have to be fit

and strong and our technique has to be fact that in contact and if we do

that we have a good chance today. Sam Tomkins is getting back to his

best. How has his role in the team changed since coming back? To be

honest, he is more mature, he will always have that competitive spirit

but he is a winner, he wants to win, he is very much like myself. We just

want to win, we're not really bothered about the performers, we

just want to win the game, and the older Sam gets the more mature he

gets and we are seeing the best of him now, the last few weeks he's

been outstanding. Good luck today. STUDIO: Final moments in the Wigan

dressing room, the mood lighting is still there on each locker as they

go through their final preparations and similarly in the Hull dressing

room as well. We can see what they are doing. The final handshakes

amongst the various team members. Let's talk about Hull's kicking game

and Marc Sneyd in particular and what you expect from him today and

what he is going to have to do. Firstly with Marc Sneyd he must

expect Wigan to attack him. He is a smart kid and puts himself in

positions where it will be difficult for Wigan to put him under pressure.

In big moments in big games he has come up with smart kicks, 40-20 in

the Challenge Cup final, big kicks that can change the course of the

game. Wigan will try and blame on the deck and hit him almost late,

put him under pressure but he is smart and it is hard to get him. I

think it is key for Wigan's start that they negate Marc Sneyd,

McIlorum, the number nine for Wigan, we will see him haring after him so

he cannot get kicks like this away and Hull cannot score tries. Lee

Radford Dr Butt opportunities, Marc Sneyd's game creates opportunities

they must take. Sneed had too much time against Leeds and he picked out

kicks, put Tom Briscoe under pressure, but he is a fantastic

asset for the Hull side. He is a cute cookie and knows how not to get

run down and he gives himself an extra two or three metres, that's

the key to success, they will have to be some serious pressure from the

likes of McIlorum and Leuluai from the line. It is non-negotiable for

Wigan because Warrington in the first half of the final last year

put pressure on him and in the second half he got on with it and

kicked away and scored tries all day.

We are moments away from the start of the 2017 Challenge Cup final.

More great memories, please. And he scores! The excitement!

Prescott is over! He is trying to make space. He goes on the outside.

That is one sensational try. Superb! Joel Tomkins back to the

middle, sidesteps between two, it is one of the great Wembley tries.

Well, the scene is set. This is what Hull FC and Wigan are playing for,

that is the rugby league Challenge Cup. It is being carried by Adam

Clinton from the RAF, who also has alongside him a Sergeant from the

army and a Lieutenant from the Royal Navy. The first final was in 1897

and we are nearly ready to go in 2017. Now for the traditional

Challenge Cup final hymn, Abide With Me, sung by Kathleen Greene.

They are having problems at the moment with the PA at Wembley

Stadium. Kathleen Greene, who won this competition to sing Abide With

Me is waiting with all her helpers. Both sets of fans are trying to help

her out by keeping the atmosphere going as she waits nervously pulse

of the Wigan fans at one end and the Hull fans below us here at Wembley

Stadium are chanting as well. The teams will be waiting in the tunnel,

and it doesn't really help anyone, Jon Wilkin. Not at all, it will not

affect these players one little bit, it's a huge moment for these guys,

and they have an opportunity to be part of the history of the game, to

be part of the fabric of our game, to be pictured and photographed and

the video made from today's game will be used in years to come and

this is their opportunity and right now they are not bothered about

whether the PA system is working or not, they want to get out there.

Look at that steely focus. # The darkness deepens

Lord, with me abide # When other helpers fail

and comforts flee # Help of the helpless

O abide with me # Hold thou Thy cross

Before my closing eyes # Shine through the gloom

And point me to the skies # Heaven's morning breaks

and Earth's vain shadows flee # In life, in death

O Lord, abide with me. # She is 23 years old. She won a

competition to sing Abide With Me in front of 70,000 people at Wembley

Stadium and she then had to deal with that utter shambles beforehand

and she deserves absolute credit from everyone in here and everybody

watching, because she has been let down by a system and operators who

should ought to know better. She deserves an awful lot of credit.

Well done, Kathleen Greene, for that and well done everybody in the

stadium for helping her through it too with no backing track. The

players have been waiting patiently. They are ready to go. This is it,

the 2017 Challenge Cup final. We hope for a cracker, let's John

Howell, dated Dave Woods. It's a big noise, big moments,

these, so much history, so much tradition, so much at stake in the

Wembley Sunshine. If 34 players that they perform as well as Kathleen

Greene has just performed, we are going to have a classic. Wembley

decorated superbly, Gareth Ellis playing in his last ever Challenge

Cup final, he retires at the end of the season, leading out his side,

all those young mass gets getting the thrills of their lives as well

-- mascots. Being a part of this. Great to see young Jack Johnson out

there as well. You might have caught the young man waving

enthusiastically as he walked out with the Wigan owner Ian Lenagan,

Jack Johnson who is fighting muscular dystrophy, the son of the

ex-Wigan player Andy Johnson. So many world stars. Jack is on the

right-hand side with Shaun Wane with his arm on his shoulder. Many world

stars very much in his camp. Ellery Hanley is our guest of honour

today, MBE, star of so many great rugby league occasions, domestic and

international, Trophy winner in 1989 when Wigan beat St Helens by 27-0.

Ian Lenagan alongside him. Just behind Brian Barwick, the chairman

of the RFL. Joe Burgess. Oliver Gildart, whose dad Ian, would have

played with Ellery back in the day. John Bateman. Sean O'Loughlin, the

skipper, and again, a couple of team-mates there. Shaun Wane and

Ellery Hanley. Nigel Wood, the chief executive of the RFL introduces our

referee team today, Phil Bentham for the third time, and the young lady

is Jessica Marsh, nine years of age, from Preston. She has won a

competition to be the fifth official here today. You can put your own

punch line in about a nine-year-old being better than the real thing.

That would show some disrespect, wouldn't it? Lee Radford. Some words

of encouragement from our guest of honour. Gareth Ellis. Adam Pearson,

the Hull chairman and owner. We paid credit to him last year with the way

he stayed faithful with his coach Lee Radford, and boy, is that faith

being repaid in such great measure. Mark Minichiello, who, along with

Gareth Ellis, could yet be the oldest ever Lance Todd Trophy

winner. That special prize has been awarded every year since 1946. What

part might Albert Kelly play in his first final four Hull FC, but his

second representing the city of Hull, playing for Hull KR a couple

of years ago. And the man who picked up the Lance Todd last year, Marc

Sneyd. A lot of talk about 1985 in the

build-up. Are we going to see another classic here today? Well,

that was 32 years ago. There's a couple of stars, Lee crooks, Garry

Schofield, who was controversially left on the bench and came on late

and Shaun Edwards, who was 18 years old back in 1985, scored a try, his

second Wembley final that year, of course, having played as a

17-year-old the year before when Wigan played Widnes. Ladies and

gentlemen, head of kick-off, we ask you please do stand for the national

anthem, led by Kathleen green! # God save our gracious Queen

Long live our noble Queen There's a real old-fashioned feel to

Wembley today, isn't there? Andy Farrell and his son, Owen, who

handed out the shirts to the Wigan players in the build-up to this

game. It looks good, doesn't it? This is

the way they line up today, the two Giants four Hull underlings, Mahe

Fonua and Talanoa, and Jamie Shaul will chip in with some sparkling

runs, Josh Griffin playing in his first cup final today, and

Tuimavave, one of many who was involved last year, Albert Kelly and

Marc Sneyd, what an pairing they might be for the Black and Whites

today. Up front, the big fella, Scott Taylor and Liam Watts, Danny

Houghton, who will be remembered for all time for tackle 52, the

match-winning tackle late in lusty's final, said Amana, Gareth Ellis and

Mark Minichiello, Ellis playing in his last Challenge Cup final,

retires at the end of the, Jake Connor and Josh Bowden on the bench,

Jake Connor will come on and add some briskness in the middle, Danny

Washbrook and Chris Green, a couple of the other forwards who will be

coming on for Hull at some stage. Wigan lining up like this, Sam

Tomkins at full-back, what a story we might have, should Liam Marshall

prove to be a matchwinner today, given his late inclusion, 30 minutes

before kick-off Tommy was named. Anthony Gelling the Joker, and

Oliver Gildart in the centres, the half-backs for Wigan, again

instrumental, as they whiz, Williams and Leuluai, Thomas Leuluai stepping

in his dad's footsteps, after James Bay 32 years ago, Nuuausala and Tony

Clubb upfront, Michael McIlorum in the middle, and the back three, Liam

Farrell, John Bateman and Sean O'Loughlin, again, who has Jurisic,

familial pedigree when it comes to the Challenge Cup. Willie Isa and

Ryan Sutton, two of those on the bench, as are Taulima Tautai and Sam

Powell. Wembley is growing impatient. They want to get on with

it. Phil Bentham is the referee today. Chris Kendall and Jack Smith

the touch judges. James Child is in the truck as the video referee,

should he be required. We are ready. We are ready. WHISTLE

Joe Burgess puts Boerrigter ball, hardly a breath of air inside this

great stadium. Very little between these two great sides. The forward

battle is going to be massive. The dazzle of the back is going to be

imported. How is this going to go? That's here from the commentary team

for the first time, Jonathan Davies and John Kear. Today is the day when

fairy tales become reality and Wigan straightaway putting a marker of

intense down. This big, physical Hull pack, receiving three or four

men in a tackle each time. I think it will be about completing their

sets and maybe getting repeat sets of six but as it is, very warm. Not

a breath of wind down there so it will be important when they have got

the ball. I think Wigan will be reasonably content with the way this

set has gone so far because they have restricted Hull's go forward,

Marc Sneyd's first kick of the day and Joe Burgess will get his first

touch of the ball in the arms and Wigan start their set, notably, five

metres away from the halfway line. They will be delighted with that

first defensive set, Wigan. They restricted the yardage, put pressure

on the kicker, which allowed them to field the kick on the full, so the

first bit of the arm wrestle goes slightly to the Cherry and Whites.

Liam Marshall takes it in, a reminder, Tom Davies,

heartbreakingly for him, was ruled out half an hour before kick-off

because of an ankle injury, so Liam Marshall, who wears number 35, comes

in. O'Loughlin taking it in. This is the sixth, so Williams puts it high.

Mahe Fonua is back in his own in-goal area and that is significant

because catching it there gives Hull a tap on the 20 metre mark and seven

tackle from here. They won't be happy with that kick, a bit too far,

it is an easy tap and go for Hull. They invested all the energy and

restricted the go forward and they have really let them off the hook,

receiving that kick in the in-goal area, the first tackle is a zero

tackle, and in the six committed and this is the result. A great run out

of dummy half by Jamie Shaul and a quick play the ball as got Josh

Griffin travelling forward. Hull, moving within striking range, with

tackles in the bag as well. Wigan, looking to restrict. Danny Houghton.

Shifting it to Albert Kelly with his little, dancing steps and half and

off-load but he can't get it away. Here's Danny Houghton, the last

tackle in the set. The kit is from Marc Sneyd into the in-goal area, he

has overcooked it. Very safe take by Anthony Gelling and it is Wigan's

turn to get the tap back on the 20 and the extra tackle and here is

Liam Marshall, looking to get on the outside and dodging back again. It

shows how important is the kicking at the end of the set because it

gave Hull the platform and the back three of Jamie Shaul, Mahe Fonua and

Talanoa, brilliant running the ball, giving a platform for the forwards

and there was 100 metres that they gained, there. Do you put that down

to drooling, the extra couple of yards on the kicks? Root two poor

finishes to the sets from both teams and that will be one area of the

game the coaches will want to fix pretty imminently. On days like

this, the extra tackle means so much. Nuuausala trying to get to his

knees to play the ball as quickly as possible. Back to Thomas Leuluai who

puts a kick over the top. Interesting bounce! Back on the

inside and Bateman, John Bateman is over for the game's opening try,

with less than four minutes played. That was a kick that had some intent

to it and had the skill attached, too. Very clever, they kicked early

in the tackle count, back on the fourth tackle, the back three had

not got back, the ball had bounced and as we all know, you should not

allow the ball to bounce. The bounce favoured Wigan and Bateman scores. I

am with you, that was an absolutely superb kick from Thomas Leuluai but

the kit is only as good as the chase and the wing man is up there, get

behind, Talanoa, look at the chase, the bounce was favourable to them

but they took full advantage, Anthony Gelling I believe who

fielded the kick. You can see the ball bounces, it sets up as Gelling

receives it and Bateman is chasing enthusiastically to cross the try

line. What a tremendous kick from Leuluai and that is why you should

not allow a rugby league ball to bounce if possible. What was their

intention, to put backspin on it, from Leuluai? I don't think so, it

was an early kick because he saw the back three had not gone back, the

winners had not dropped back and there was space and once the ball

hits the ground, it is anybody's is where it will go and this time, it

favoured Wigan. Williams not taking much time with the kick for goal.

Wigan already up and running, leading 6-0. If ever there was a

demonstration of the importance of the kicking game, this is it, two

poor kicks by both sides, one each, allowed seven tackles and that was

perfect, it turns Talanoa, it made sure there was a chance to get there

and the chase reaped its own reward. What a great try. Wigan fans of a

certain vintage will remember a guy called Markkanen. I remember him. He

was involved in 1984 when Wigan went to Wembley and he had the ability to

put backspin on the ball like we saw from Leuluai, there. I wonder

whether Leuluai has been working on it was too Luck anyway, Gildart. I'm

pretty certain... Lee Radford, sitting back in his chair. He has

got a microphone on today so hopefully we will be hearing the

kind of behind the scenes in motion from the coach at half-time at full

time as well. Catch it! Catch it! They are covering the sidelines this

time, the Hull back two, Tomkins cleverly dissecting them and putting

the ball to the posts, pulling it up short, great kick from Tomkins. Mahe

Fonua. What a big hit but he responded in kind and Michael

McIlorum ended up flat on his back. I tell you what, it won't bother

Michael McIlorum one iota because if he gets down, he get up again. A bit

of a push, he was off-balance. Mahe Fonua is leaving at the end of this

year, to join the west Tigers, cutting his stay in Hull short for

family reasons. He seems to be heartbroken at having to leave. This

Wigan side have done some work in the tackle area this week.

Committing numbers and really working technically very well to

slow the Hull play the ball down. The last, and back it comes for Marc

Sneyd. A spin on that which makes it a little difficult for Tomkins, but

safely pouched and forward comes Burgess. That will not trouble

Tomkins. He kicked from far out on the wing and he will be happy with

that. He will need an option because as the boys said in the studio, they

will close down Snape so they will need a kicking option. Wigan have

got Tomkins and Leuluai. Better kicking option for them. -- will

close down Marc Sneyd. Gelling. So, the last play again on

the set. Williams will put the kick high. Mahe Fonua underneath it and

Burgess just being shepherded away cleverly by Josh Griffin, just to

make his team-mate's job a bit easier and as a result, Jamie Shaul

can try to bring it out. The Hull fans behind the end that Hull are

defending in the first half. Danny Houghton. A little bit of a

struggle for Seeker Manu. But good contact from Williams, there. Really

bent his back and hit with the shoulder. Liam Watts, driving it in.

Nine away from the halfway line. Still a couple of tackles in the

set, Hull, making heavy weather of it at the moment. Marc Sneyd

threatening to kick but it goes to Jamie Shaul and now to Tuimavave,

who is a classy player. The last play again, Hull still 40 away. Marc

Sneyd has time to run into the pocket and then just pumping the

kick downfield and the chase is on from Kelly but Tomkins have it

covered. -- has it covered. Picks up off the bounce and looks to see what

is available but a good chase from the rest of the Hull defenders. Well

dealt with by Wigan but Hull had a bit of success, shifting the ball to

the edge and it bought Marc Sneyd the time to put in the kick but

pretty well defused by Sam Tomkins. Gildart, spinning forward, skidding

in, Tomkins quickly into dummy half. Farrell to his left hand side and he

cuts in as well. Wigan finds the halfway line. Nuuausala. The big

difference is the speed of the play-the-ball. Wigan are trying be

quick play the ball, getting very good feed position for an easier

kick for the half-backs. Another end over end kick from Leuluai but it is

not going to be allowed to bounce because Jamie Shaul is in position

but another great chase by Wigan. Look where they are. Hull starting

deep inside their own half, they want one of the big men, one of

their wingers, to try to give them a lift. It is a great tactic from

Shaun Wane and the Cherry and Whites, the Wigan Warriors because

they are turning this big Hull forward background, making them go

the whole way back before they can get the ball forward. 40-2010 from

Danny Houghton, well covered by Burgess. Takes it head height, clean

as a whistle, runs back and look where Wigan are starting again, ten

metres from the halfway line, they are winning the battle. They are and

their line speed is very good, Wigan. That was frustration, taking

very early in the tackle count, easily taken by the Wigan winger.

But Wigan are investing lots of energy in restricting the go

forward, a couple of the forwards were slow, back there, Tony Clubb

and Connor but it is a good idea to restrict the go forward. And it's

very warm down there so it will be draining of the afternoon goes on.

Farrell did not play that properly. Was not on his feet. Easy penalty

for the referee to get. Big lift for Hull. First penalty and good field

position. What makes it even worse is that Liam Farrell is in

possession of the ball. It is just sloppy. They have been really

clinical and played attention -- paid attention to the detail of

Wigan but that was sloppy and it has given Hull FC their first penalty

about midfield. What can they make of it? Two balls on the field at the

moment. Mahe Fonua taking one-off. Taylor. Just inside that Wigan half.

Danny Houghton comes out and now Kelly has it. A little dummy shown

but ankles taken away by Williams. Danny Houghton, across the field.

Scott Taylor, being urged forward by the Hull bands. I think they wanted

a bit more directness from the big fellows. -- Hull fans. A little step

by Marc Sneyd and any acceleration but Bateman is all over him. Good

start to the game for Bateman, attack and defence. Minichiello

going left. Brought back towards the middle. Liam Watts get is an free,

Liam Watts steps on the inside! Tries to power over, very close.

Very good. Held up just short. Kelly steps back inside, still gets it

away. Marc Sneyd with a kick to the corner. The big leap, a huge leap by

Talanoa! He claims the try, celebrates the try, and Hull with

their first attacking opportunity are right back in the game. They did

not close down Marc Sneyd and that was a precise kick, on the button.

With this guy running towards it, he has got such a height advantage over

his winger, Marshall. Just watch it, out of the back door and a perfect

kick. Just watch, he gets the jump, he gets above Marshall, brilliant,

brilliant try by Talanoa. Exceptional dry, that one. Beautiful

kick from Marc Sneyd, he knows Talanoa is taller than Marshall,

landing it on Marshall's head and that is a great shot of Talanoa

claiming the ball. But all that, Jonathan, came off the back of the

penalty from Liam Farrell when Wigan were in possession. A stupid play

the ball by Farrell and that is the result. You will see a lot of that

because he was so good in the air, Talanoa. He has got such a height

advantage. Over his opposite number. And it was a bit of an unstructured

kick, with the off-load from Kelly before Marc Sneyd put in the kick.

Said they are taking their time with the kick, here. -- so they are.

Marc Sneyd was talking to us during the week, talking about the pressure

on the cake, and he said he loves it, he loves being the kicker,

whether it is for goals or kicking out of hand, he just loves the

responsibility and now he's got the responsibility of giving his side

parity again. Terrific take by Talanoa, wasn't it? It is a strange

kicking style, isn't it? Backwards. They will be chanting his name if he

is successful with this and he is successful with this and it is all

square at 6-6. Crucial time for Wigan, the next ten minutes, they

need to do what they started at the beginning of the game, control the

speed of the ruck. Hull have the wind in their sales and they will

turn up the tempo. I think both teams have really started very well,

you know. When we speak about how hot the day is, Hull have completed

six sets out of six, and Wigan five out of six so they are paying

attention to the detail, looking after the ball to conserve energy.

But it also shows how important it is to maintain your discipline. That

penalty was the first real-time Hull had a good ball set and they came

away with the points. We have seen that in the early run to the

Challenge Cup, the field position for the penalty, has resulted in

many tries. Liam Watts, looking to bring it out but the defence is just

as determined to keep him right there. Bateman, industrious again.

Don't forget the red button forum follows us win the match has

finished and you can get in touch on Twitter, UCB hashtag BBC R L. There

is the spinning of the ball, and the Rugby World Cup begins on October

27. But Hull have lost possession and a great chance for Wigan now.

That is one the John Bateman. Yeah. Taylor is carrying the ball and

Bateman gets right under it, it's with the shoulder and that is a

forced error, rather than a sloppy one. That is a forced error and an

important shot from Bateman on Taylor. Tremendous tackle technique.

Hull need to be on their mettle, here. The referee has counted the

men in the back and decided there are too many standing in the back

line. Ellis taking his position in the big six. Williams. Tomkins.

Waiting at dummy half, five tackles to come, they will drive it in, Tony

Clubb, back in April having a kidney removed and here he is, playing in

the Challenge Cup final in August. Nuuausala, spinning away. Put down.

They wanted quickly and they get it quickly. Williamson on the left,

Farrell has moved on his inside. Brushes away the first attempt of

Liam Watts. Three more waiting. Michael McIlorum to Williams.

Nuuausala. O'Loughlin. Leuluai. He dummies toward yelling, coming at

pace, still going but repelled eventually. Just one yard away,

Tomkins on the last play. Leuluai spinning it to Williams, right

footed, dabbing it over, out goes the reaching arms of Mahe Fonua.

That is a wonderful take by the big fellow on the wing and a good,

clearing run is developing here, as Ellis pounding it forward, 25 yards

out, and they get a penalty. Double bonus for Hull. Brilliant take

again, what a take, competition between the winners, Mahe Fonua and

Burgess goes up, brilliant take. I thought Wigan should have run the

ball because Mahe Fonua should have held his nerve. He did not come into

line -- up in the likeable when they shifted it, two buzzes, he held his

nerve and stay deep and they should have gone through the hands and

tried to Ribery 's -- to release Burgess against in with space and

effort and to get a penalty on the back of that is a real bonus ball.

Mahe Fonua grew up in the Aussie rules territory where taking that

kind of catch came as a kind of second nature. An accidental rugby

league player, if you like but what a rugby league player he has been in

the last few years. Taylor. Five away from the halfway line. Danny

Houghton. Inside two Ellis. Marc Sneyd with a dummy and any short,

flat pass. Minichiello is a marked man.

Kelly, we have seen glimpses from him so far and what about this

fella, Seca Manu, who gets the ball away as well. Liam Watts maybe

steals an extra yard as a result. Hull get a bit of meant, now. Kelly

with the kick behind the winner, Burgess has to be sharp and has to

go safety first to concede a drop out underneath the sticks. He had to

do that, no doubt about that, Joe Burgess, it was the right option.

They need to get oxygen in the lungs because they are tired but that was

a good, clever kick from Kelly, bringing Burgess up, slipping behind

him, they had to palm it dead and a repeat set from Hull, building the

pressure at the minute. They are finding holes now I'm getting over

the advantage line. That is when this guy steps in, he will see a

quick ball on the front foot and that is where they are dangerous.

I'm going to make a prediction, Dave, we seen a lot of these

backline players shifting but I think a half-back, and inside ball

will get one of these middle channel teams because both of the big packs

are feeling the heat, and we are coming to 80 minutes, now. I think

that is a definite method of getting points, playing through them. The

cup final is simmering nicely on a hot August afternoon. Building and

building, already two tries. But you sense plenty more to come. Danny

Houghton to Gareth Ellis. What a professional he has been down the

years. His debut in 1999, for Wakefield. His last year, this year.

Kelly to Manu. Jamie Shaul marching up to dummy half. Kelly is away

again, looking for the run, which is provided by Ellis. Wigan's defence

being called into question but they are answering in the correct manner

so far. It is left to Minichiello. He is nearly there. He nearly got a

piggyback over the line, but just held short on the fifth tackle. Marc

Sneyd puts the kick up again, reach by Griffin, the ball goes backwards

and is collected by Mahe Fonua, who will claim a second Hull try! The

referee is not sure. He's not sure. We are going to go to the video

referee for the first time this afternoon.

REFEREE: The live decision is a try. The first thing to check if the

onside. They are all on site so we can lay through. The next thing we

need to check is the catch, decide who it comes off.

OK. Let's have a look it comes off a Wigan hand. Contact in the air is

fine. Playing on from this. Now we are going to have a look at the

pick-up which is clean. We're now going to go through to the

grounding. Yeah, that is a try. Back-to-back Wembley tries for Mahe

Fonua. Try scorer in 2016, try scorer in 2017 and Hull hit the

lead. Tremendous work, once again, that man, Marc Sneyd, coming up with

an absolute peach of a kick. The countdown on the Wigan line and he

selects the kick, the contest just short of the goal-line, both sides

go for it, it ricochets out to Mahe Fonua and there is the try,

outstanding last tackle play from Marc Sneyd. Brilliant kick once

again. Look at the arm going up. Griffin goes up. If the kick is

accurate, it is so difficult as a defender, because you are planted on

the other try line, you can't really get a run and jump on it so the

advantage is with the onrushing attackers. These boys, we mentioned

before the game, they are big lads. Shaun Wane mentioned that Hull were

the bigger side and they are using it to their advantage but mainly

through this guide's kicking game. And again it came off the back of

field position, they got the field position for the first drive-through

penalty and that was from a repeat set by Albert Kelly, field position

is some imported is this game as is your last tackle kick players, three

tries from kicks already. -- take place. His goal earlier was his

300th for Hull, and in terms of career goals, 497 so far, and now

498 so he could be reaching a big career milestone here today

potentially. But Hull now lead 12-6. Trailing after four minutes, leading

after 20. In all honesty, they deserve the lead. But the play still

had to be executed to perfection. That is a genuine contest, Gildart

has to go for it, the Hull centre is going for it and it comes free to

Mahe Fonua for the try but again it's about field position and

pressure and at the moment, Hull are inserting the pressure on the Wigan

line. -- exerting pressure. They will get possession back again from

the kick-off as well, taken safely by Jamie Shaul. Liam Watts. Well,

the possession, Dave, has gone in Hull's direction, 66%, twice as much

bull as Wigan Warriors at the moment, which is reflected in the

scoreboard. That possession, allied with the field position which they

have been getting, there, it is inevitable that points will be

posted. The only two in this Hull line-up

that did not experience Wembley 12 months ago. Scott Taylor. He played,

of course, for Wigan back in the 2013 final. Winner's medal from that

and win a's medal from last year as well. This is a searching high kick,

Tomkins watches it come down out of a half cloudy sky and hands it back

inside for Marshall to take it in. He has a penalty. Too much from the

defenders, you may have heard the referee saying. That is the first

Wigan penalty. At the minute penalties are few and far between.

Wigan getting their second penalty, 2-1 to Wigan at the minute but they

do need some ball and field position. Powell on from the

interchange bench in that crucial dummy half position. Interchanges

aplenty for Wigan to add some freshness to the situation they are

in here. Here is Bateman. Powell. Williams, O'Loughlin, Tomkins, whose

take is knocked down and the referee says play on. No, he doesn't. He'd

dummied all of us, he was going to blow his whistle, then he decided he

might not and then he did after all. Sam Tomkins on the edge. On this

occasion Griffin gets it right by the extra man was there. If Griffin

goes in he must make the tackle on Tomkins. Tomkins released it, he

plays it and he goes on to Tomkins' body. It will be Wigan's head and

feet, great opportunity for Wigan, repeat set in the Hull half of the

field, the must make it pay. The Hull fans are billing because he

didn't play at the ball. I'm telling you he did. It is Wigan head and

feet. Here is Anthony Gelling, live wire in the early stages. Powell

shaped up a dummy half a. Tautai. Wigan looking for your response. It

is with Leuluai. Williams with the dummy and step, George Williams is a

magical player but they just about got hold of him. They are going

against the grain. Back to Leuluai. Tautai. Tomkins, quick camps.

Gelling gets it but flicks it forward and the referee says he will

give scrum head and feet to Hull. Credit to the Hull defence, they

know what will happen, it's difficult to stop him, Youghal

Williams and Tomkins coming in to create the overlap and the centres

came in and spotted it and put pressure on Tomkins. They foiled two

tax. Very good defence. It was Tuimavave who came in and it put the

receivers of Wigan under pressure. Gelling played it and took a chance

but not it forward. That's the danger, he is such a clever player

he will come in and create the extra man on the outside. Wigan must work

it out and play a little bit deeper. They can play deeper but stomach or

they can put a kick in. Just for the momentum it is worth having. Hull

are taking hold of the game, you can feel the confidence growing in this

team. They look the best team at the minute by a fairway. Wigan beat

Cronulla back in February to claim the world prize, Hull having beaten

Warrington in a cup final last year. To hold the trophy they are playing

for today. How to an out of dummy half. Sneyd. Inside it goes,

Tuimavave. It's going to be put down. Three tackles still to go.

Ellis straightens things up, honest endeavour again from him. Danny

Houghton. Time to look up, consider his options. It goes to Taylor,

Kelly, no luck pass from him into the hands of Josh Griffin. Griffin

took it in and Wigan's defence looked the right way and they made

the tackle, Kelly with the kick, there is some space but it's taken

by Gelling. He has kept it in the field of play just about. He did

well to stay in the field of play. Once again it was a good kick but

the good kicks come on the back of quick play. No, no, no, no. They put

in a great kick, got them under pressure meters from their own line

and they go offside. It was a blatant one as well. Yes, it was.

Way offside. The kick didn't have the height or position of Marc

Sneyd's kick. Didn't need to go in on that tackle. Here is Gelling,

wired, Powell. Williams looking for it. The paths is to yield out.

Showing some pace. Griffin makes the tackle, Williams again. Wigan

spreading it from one side or the other, Bateman cuts back in against

the grain of the Hull defence. Leuluai. Tautai. O'Loughlin. Now

Williams' pass goes to ground and it's kicked on and the referee says

zero tackle, he's given Wigan an advantage, which they have got now

with Burgess and it's the free play so Burgess can take a risk like that

and he is almost in. Tackle count starts here. They might not need the

full six. Were it not for the fact that Hull's defence was right on top

of things. They've got to come left, tap and go, a lot of the Hull

defenders have been drawn towards the ball on the far side. That was

clever. As you rightly say... I'm sure they were happy to give away

the penalty, let us regroup and get our defensive line set and then

repel for this set of six. They were so short on the right-hand side

defensively. The professional foul. They are taking their time, they

have all of the tricks in the book to slow it down. Six tackles for

Wigan. They have taken a kick to touch so they will go back on the

ten. Six tackles for Hull to defend. For Wigan to chance their arm.

Powell in a dummy half, Leuluai to his left but he's going short and

flat instead for Ryan Sutton. Powell again. Wigan, taking shape, Williams

cuts back inside. Steps away from the lunging effort of Ellis, keeps

it alive when another tackle comes in. Gildart is on this left-hand

side but can't find a path through. Good defence from Hull working

really hard from the inside. O'Loughlin. Again, using the ball,

Leuluai dummies and dummies. Tracked all the way. O'Loughlin. Bateman

now. Little pockets of space opening up. Another set of six, Hull got a

touch, here comes Sutton, put down. Six more tackles for Wigan to have a

go. Exhausting passage of play for the Hull defence. Tomkins sees the

gap. He has lost the ball in the in-goal area and Hull survive with

some heroic defending. A desperate lunge by Tomkins has not paid off.

They are all getting a bit excited as a result. They will be. Sam

Tomkins will be frustrated because that was tackle one they lost the

ball on and the Hull FC players let him know that as well. A bit of

sledging, I'm sure. Desperate lunge by Tomkins. He thought that he could

reach there. Just watch, they stood off him. He was too far away and

just lost it. Great work from Tuimavave and Sneyd as well. I'm

sure there was a bit of verbals when he lost the ball and that's when the

incident occurred. There was a little use of the head by Marc

Sneyd. Nothing in that. It will be interesting to see what the

conclusion is. Get off my mate! There is some discussion going on.

This is the original one. But then it is what happens next. Did

Tuimavave have a little pop that Tomkins? I think they both did. It

is clear that Sneyd said something and had a pop at him and then to

did. Just watch Tuimavave's right-hand. There is nothing in

that. Just watch should need. His face. Tuimavave has a little look

back. The conclusion from that is there is not much in it. It will be

an interesting decision. Just watch. I don't think there is much in it.

REFEREE: Come and speak to me as well. Described as handbags by Phil

Bentham, which I think sums it up. Let's see who takes this. Will they

bring in one of the big fellows to take the first carry? I would

suggest that is a possibility. Fonua could come along and take this.

There is the challenge, if he carries the ball, send three or four

defenders at him. That has livened things up a little. It is a cup

final. The big fellows are not complaining because they got an

extra breather while those little terriers were having a go. Here we

go. The game is back on and Hull have a lot of work to do to get away

from that end of the field. Wigan have come away with no points. Three

sets to defend on their own try line. Sika Manu will take it on. The

World Cup this live across all platforms on the BBC, October 27,

England against Australia and then off we go, the rest of the

tournament. The man alongside me, John Kear, involved, his Welsh side

involved. Port Moresby. . Another touch by Gelling but it's the first

one that counts. There is an element of fatigue. Around half an hour in

this heat, one or two areas, it is creeping in and we will see who

takes advantage. Minichiello off-loading into Duma Valley and

Leuluai it was just lining up for one of his famous tough tackles

there. But the ball was spilt. Just as well for Tuimavave's rips that he

didn't catch the ball. -- ribs. Nine minutes of the half remaining. Here

is Gelling. Powell is the man at dummy half. Tautai coming on with an

adventurous surge. Making metres after contact. Putting Hull further

on the back foot. Powell again. Leuluai. Tomkins spotted by the

winger but bounced him off. They have to come up with a solution to

the defensive work because they get in front of the ball and close the

back man down. The centre or the winger, putting pressure on Tomkins.

Plays him behind the back of Leuluai. Sutton, the big fellow,

picks it up, the prop forward, runs it back, kick of their heels as he

takes it in. He is the last player. Powell. O'Loughlin. It comes to

Leuluai. Leuluai to Williams. Williams again, they are going to go

for the try line and Gildart has found the try line. Well done. Well

done, Wigan Warriors. Week spoke about Fonua, he held his ground

waiting for the kick and he did similarly so there. But what George

Williams did, he carried the ball at the line and caused that indecision

and opened up that space for yield at to go through. Well done, Wigan

Warriors. Well done, George Williams. We said they would have to

come up with a solution and they did. Just watch, goes again, Tomkins

at the back but instead of hitting Tomkins the hit Gildart, so they

changed their tactic and it worked for them. Marvellous play, wasn't

it? Brilliant player. Really good, Williams took the line on admit

Griffin half turning in this space, Fonua held his width waiting for the

kick and that's the area where Gildart goes. You can see Fonua

worried about the wide stuff. Bang come through he goes and over he

goes. Great try. Very clever play, changing a little bit of what they

have done previously because the Hull defence have been very good.

Just one little tweak of the attack and Gildart scorers. Very good they

were running on the last play rather than doing the orthodox kick.

Although kicking has been successful. Every try has been

scored on the last tackle. George Williams, tough as they come.

Challenge Cup final kick from the touchline. He will be disappointed

with the end result. But 12-10. The final score last year against

Warrington. Yes, it was. Look at the skill, great shift, O'Loughlin plays

that well, lovely back man play, that injection from pace causes the

doubt between Kellyanne Griffin which opens up the space where Fonua

is held wide and threw went Gildart, real quality play from Wigan

Warriors. The acceleration just got him on the outside, didn't it?

Winding himself up and holding himself that the Black and Whites'

line. Powell at dummy half. There is a spring in their step now for the

Cherry and Whites. That is a good run. Gelling has got involved in a

locked down the middle, hasn't he? The three quarters will be tasked

with that, to go in and help the forwards, take the pressure off the

big guys like Tautai. Tautai has done really well since coming on, he

has carried them well. Wigan 30 away. Little kick over the top from

Williams. The leap and safe pair of hands provided by Fonua but almost

pushed towards the touchline. It was a good set. It was clever how they

allowed him to catch the ball and clamped him and took him to the

sidelines so he is out of play for this set of six. Here is Kelly,

towards the winger, Talanoa attacks on the heavy duty of to take it

forward. Andy Farrell played in many cup finals. I wonder if Owen will

ever play in a Challenge Cup final. Picked up and taken forward by Danny

Washbrook. Danny Houghton. It is going to be an attempted 40-20, is

it? The winners have it covered. They have, both wingers and the

full-back, well played by the Wigan back three. -- the wingers have it

covered. Sean O'Loughlin took his time to get back in position. I

think he caught one on the chin. Feeling the heat. He will have to

get on with it, regardless of. Oh! Danny Washbrook there with an

elbow in his face. I don't think it was intentional. OK, Dave.

They have still got tackles in the bank, Wigan, they are advancing

menacingly again. Here is O'Loughlin. It has switched to the

Cherry and Whites now, hasn't it? Yes, it has. The last play, what can

they do this time? Gelling skipping in the air, Hull's defends out

smartly. All of the venom is taken out of that by Hull's responds

getting forward and they get possession back 15 from their own

line. I thought Gelling, having run the ball previously, as soon as

Talanoa came up, that was when to put boot to ball and slide it in

behind. He didn't look to off-load, just surrendered to the tackle, it's

quite unusual. I tell you what, Dave, it's a good game. Danny

Houghton is looking for a penalty and he gets the penalty. Clever

dummy half, he knew the man was offside. I don't like that. It is a

Challenge Cup final. I don't like that. Who could have got the pass

away but you can't blame him for doing it. O'Loughlin was trying to

get out of the way. He has plenty of time to pass that. But take the

penalty, three minutes to go, now in an attacking position. As they start

their set Shaun Wane feeling the heat metaphorically and physically

because the sun is beating down on the touchline, which he will be

occupying in a few seconds time. The sun is in Marshall's eyes, the

winger's guys. -- eyes. Minichiello. Collecting at dummy half. Sneyd

turns it away for Liam Watts. Onto his knees quickly, plays it quickly,

Wigan not as set as they might have wanted to become a Kelly with the

inside ball, Shaul has the opening but it closes as quick, the big

Cherry and White door slams in his face but they have tackles to play

with and what the position they are in, Sneyd puts the kick in, Marshall

covers it, swallowed up with possession. Sneyd, cross kick once

again. Last play, Sneyd puts it high, Burgess has come a long way to

try and get in there. The flick pass away is taken by Powell. Began, such

an advantage for the attacking side. He just gets above everyone, Albert

Kelly. Penalty. 90 seconds remaining in the half. That was a great

passage of play, high-quality, both attacking and defensively. Really

good stuff what Hull are throwing at Wigan and what Wigan are serving up

defensively and then the riposte coming. Look at the numbers Wigan

have around the ball but still Kelly came up with it and then it was the

last tackle and Powell comes up with the ball. Had it gone to one of his

team-mates we would have been claiming that pass was a Wembley

miracle but it was quickly forgotten because it went to a Wigan man. Good

tackle, that tackle had to be made. Yeah. Here is Powell in a tangle.

The referee wants to see this a little cleaner than it was so we go

back to where we were. Explained the difference between that and that

pass into somebody. Penalty. Powell. Williams. Stepping one way

and then the other, Tomkins injecting himself. Gildart, big

shoulder comes in from Mahe Fonua. Asking questions of Hull. The

wingers sobering Doomur Dullung so well. Hull short of numbers, Farrell

could not pick it up but here comes Mahe Fonua, having a look on the

inside. Gildart makes the tackle but Hull are on the way, the hooter

sounds. They can still play on. Leuluai gets himself in the way but

then drops on the ball and the referee will blow the whistle to

officially end the first half. Terrific stuff. Mahe Fonua's try,

the second of Hull's brace, helping them to a 12-6 lead at that stage

but Oliver Gildart with his score getting Wigan back in it, 12-10 is

the scoreline. Let's go down to the touchline and I think Tanya is

speaking to one of the Wigan players. What did you make of the

first half? Very tough. Both sides trying to get

used to the pace of the game and we settled in at the end, set Forsett

but it has been a tough start to the game and the energy levels dropped a

little at the end but both sides pleased with how they have done,

made some improvements. What is the key to the second half for you guys?

Don't give any penalties away. Gareth Ellis is on the Hull

touchline. It is a physical battle but is it turning into a tactical

one also? Disappointingly we are not getting to the end of our sets, and

most of the game is played on our try line so we need to address that

and play-the-ball at the other end of the field. Thank you, Gareth.

STUDIO: A fascinating and really good game of rugby league, those are

the stats from the first 40 minutes. Obviously you know that score. At