Challenge Cup: Leeds v Warrington
Richie Myler has been left out of the Warrington Wolves side that will face Leeds Rhinos in this afternoon’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
Coach Tony Smith has preferred Mick Higham, who missed out on the semi-final win over Les Catalans Dragons with a broken thumb.
The Rhinos are missing both Jamie Peacock and Luke Burgess, both of whom are sidelined through injury, although Carl Ablett will make his return from suspension.
Myler’s exclusion is the only change in personnel for Warrington from the semi-final win earlier this month, although Michael Monaghan has been moved to scrum half with Jon Clarke starting at hooker.
“It was a difficult decision,” Smith said of his decision. “It’s not an easy job and it’s not a pleasurable job but when you’re fit and healthy somebody has got to miss out.
“It’s tough on Richard because he’s had a terrific year and he’s been very good for us.
“He’s handled it exceptionally well and showed a lot of maturity. I’m sure he’s going to play in plenty of big games and I gave him a lot of reassurance about that.”
Leeds forward Peacock was ruled out for at least six months after suffering a knee injury in the 38-6 defeat of Castleford Tigers in the engage Super League.
Burgess was also injured against the Tigers, but coach Brian McClennan has Carl Ablett back from the suspension that ruled him out of the semi-final win against St Helens.
Brent Webb, Lee Smith, Brett Delaney, Keith Senior, Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire, Rob Burrow, Kyle Leuluai, Danny Buderus, Ryan Bailey, Chris Clarkson, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, Kevin Sinfield
Subs: Matt Diskin, Greg Eastwood, Ian Kirke, Carl Ablett
Richie Mathers, Chris Riley, Ryan Atkins, Matt King, Chris Hicks, Lee Briers, Michael Monaghan, Adrian Morley, Jon Clarke, Garreth Carvell, Louis Anderson, Ben Westwood, Ben Harrison
Subs: Vinnie Anderson, Paul Wood, Mick Higham, David Solomona