Challenge Cup final: Dream XIII of Wigan & Huddersfield stars
With the Challenge Cup final just days away, we take a look at a combined Dream XIII made up of Wigan and Huddersfield stars.
Jai Field
It was a tough first decision to make in this Challenge Cup Dream XIII. However, Wigan’s Jai Field gets the nod over Tui Lolohea at full-back. Field is joint-leading try scorer in Super League with 14 so far in 2022, assisting seven more. He has made the most clean breaks (20) and the third most metres (1806).
Jermaine McGillvary
34-year-old Jermaine McGillvary is one of the strongest wingers in the competition and was an easy decision to include in this Dream XIII. McGillvary made his debut in 2010, thus missing out on the club’s last Challenge Cup final appearance back in 2009. However, Ian Watson will be hoping for an influential performance from his international man.
Ricky Leutele
Ricky Leutele has scored six tries so far this season, and proved to be a handful during the dress rehearsal of the Challenge Cup final earlier in May. Ian Watson is hoping to tie down his impressive centre to a new contract for the 2023 season.
Jake Bibby
Jake Bibby gets the other centre spot ahead of Jake Wardle, Leroy Cudjoe and Wigan team-mate Iain Thornley. The former Salford man is currently on the radar of Giants boss Watson, who revealed to Love Rugby League that he has interest in signing the 25-year-old for the 2023 season.
Bevan French
Wigan’s Bevan French fills the other wing in our Dream XIII, although there are cases for both Innes and Louis Senior, as well as team-mate Liam Marshall. The 26-year-old has been featuring on the wing in 2022 following Field’s impressive year so far at the back.
Cade Cust
Half-back Cade Cust is arguably having an underrated season for the Warriors in 2022. Almost quietly going about his business, the former Manly Sea Eagles man has produced 11 try assists so far, crossing twice himself.
Theo Fages
Huddersfield coach Watson will be sweating on the fitness of influential half Theo Fages for Saturday’s big game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He has made seven try assists so far in 2022, scoring once.
Liam Byrne
Liam Byrne is having an impressive season under Wigan coach Matt Peet – and has been rewarded with a regular starting spot for the Warriors. The World Cup hopeful is still only 22, and looks set for a successful career in rugby league.
Danny Levi
Another player having an impressive season is Danny Levi. He has scored one try in 11 Super League appearances for the Giants so far, and is a dangerous hooker in the game.
Chris Hill
Chris Hill is reaping the rewards of joining Huddersfield as the international forward looks set to make his fifth Challenge Cup final appearance this Saturday. He is back to his best form at the John Smith’s Stadium, having spent 10 years at Warrington before the move.
Liam Farrell
Liam Farrell believes he is hungrier than he has ever been and claims the rediscovery of the “Wigan way” will fire the Warriors to another Challenge Cup win. The veteran back-rower has been in outstanding form for Peet’s side, scoring eight tries so far in 2022, the most for a forward.
Chris McQueen
Another impressive back-rower is Chris McQueen, who sits just behind Liam Farrell on the try scorers chart with seven. Watson confirmed that the key forward will be fit for the game on Saturday after recovering from a groin injury that has kept him out for two weeks.
Luke Yates
Luke Yates will be hoping to end a 69-year wait for Huddersfield to lift the prestigious Challenge Cup on Saturday. He is having a strong season at the John Smith’s Stadium, and has extra motivation to win the final.
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