So who do you want to win tomorrow? A team that has been dominating the competition for the past three seasons, or a team that should not be in the competition to start with? There is little doubt both St Helens and Hull have earned their bread on the field, but when it comes to playing by the rules fairly off it, Hull fall way short of the mark.
But thankfully, it seems almost impossible to imagine a Humberside success story. St Helens have been the dominant side for the past twenty one matches, their last defeat this season coming at the hands of Leeds back in round nine. However, records are there to be broken and it will come as no surprise if Hull were to be the only side Daniel Anderson has faced and lost to in the competition since 2005.
That said, look where Hull are now compared to three years ago. They were probable Grand Finalists with a Challenge Cup under their belts and a comfortable play off win over Warrington, who were high as a kite after two successful and extraordinary appearances by Andrew Johns. The following year they were Grand Finalists. So where did it all go wrong? Perhaps that is a question for another day. But for now it is worth comparing the state of the club in 2005, to the Hull FC of the present day.
So who are the player to look out for tomorrow? How will set the game alight? Who will lift the Lance Todd Trophy? Well you could list any number of St Helens players. Sean Long will no doubt be after his fourth Ma of the Match, as if he isn't already in the Challenge Cup history books enough. Leon Pryce is a worthy contender, as is Keiron Cunningham, Paul Wellens, James Roby, James Graham, Matt Gidley, Kyle Eastmond and even Paul Sculthorpe would want to end what will probably his last final apperance on a high. The bookies are obviously going with Long and Pryce, but if Hull were to spring a surprise who would be in contention? Shaun Berrigan is no doubt the first Hull player on the pricing board, as is Richard Horne, Adam Dykes, Danny Washbrook and Danny Tickle. How about the "ineligable player" Jamie Thackray? How appropiate would that be?
Fact of the matter is, who ever performs on the day will win. Its a knockout tournament, thats the beauty of knockout football. You get one chance to play and if you fail, your out. (unless your Saints up against Warrington) No matter whats happened off the field regarding Hull and the Jamie Thackray situation, they're there. Like it or not, Hull will compete in the final and they will be up against a very strong St Helens outfit. So who will win? Saints of course. By how much? I couldn't tell you. Wheather it be by one point or fifty, they'll take the trophy home for the third consecutive time by tomorrow evening.
But thankfully, it seems almost impossible to imagine a Humberside success story. St Helens have been the dominant side for the past twenty one matches, their last defeat this season coming at the hands of Leeds back in round nine. However, records are there to be broken and it will come as no surprise if Hull were to be the only side Daniel Anderson has faced and lost to in the competition since 2005.
That said, look where Hull are now compared to three years ago. They were probable Grand Finalists with a Challenge Cup under their belts and a comfortable play off win over Warrington, who were high as a kite after two successful and extraordinary appearances by Andrew Johns. The following year they were Grand Finalists. So where did it all go wrong? Perhaps that is a question for another day. But for now it is worth comparing the state of the club in 2005, to the Hull FC of the present day.
So who are the player to look out for tomorrow? How will set the game alight? Who will lift the Lance Todd Trophy? Well you could list any number of St Helens players. Sean Long will no doubt be after his fourth Ma of the Match, as if he isn't already in the Challenge Cup history books enough. Leon Pryce is a worthy contender, as is Keiron Cunningham, Paul Wellens, James Roby, James Graham, Matt Gidley, Kyle Eastmond and even Paul Sculthorpe would want to end what will probably his last final apperance on a high. The bookies are obviously going with Long and Pryce, but if Hull were to spring a surprise who would be in contention? Shaun Berrigan is no doubt the first Hull player on the pricing board, as is Richard Horne, Adam Dykes, Danny Washbrook and Danny Tickle. How about the "ineligable player" Jamie Thackray? How appropiate would that be?
Fact of the matter is, who ever performs on the day will win. Its a knockout tournament, thats the beauty of knockout football. You get one chance to play and if you fail, your out. (unless your Saints up against Warrington) No matter whats happened off the field regarding Hull and the Jamie Thackray situation, they're there. Like it or not, Hull will compete in the final and they will be up against a very strong St Helens outfit. So who will win? Saints of course. By how much? I couldn't tell you. Wheather it be by one point or fifty, they'll take the trophy home for the third consecutive time by tomorrow evening.
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