Morley tips Rhinos cup success
Former Leeds favourite Adrian Morley is tipping his old club to taste Wembley glory by defeating Wigan Warriors in the 2011 Carnegie Challenge Cup final.
And Morley, a Wembley winner with Leeds in 1999, has one piece of advice for any Leeds fan who doubts the Rhinos’ ability to beat hot favourites Wigan – ‘Do you really want to miss a Leeds Wembley win?’
“I keep hearing that some Leeds fans aren’t getting behind the team because they don’t think they can beat the Warriors and that’s just crazy – you can’t dismiss a team like Leeds in a Wembley final,” said Morley.
“It’s going to be a cracking match. Leeds usually save their best performances for matches against Wigan and the Warriors know they’re going to be in a game.
“The Rhinos won’t be short of motivation either because they know they didn’t do themselves justice last year. I know a lot of their players and I know they’re still hurting.
“The experience of having played at Wembley 12 months ago can only be good and they can use that to their advantage. It’s a daunting place and you never know how a team like Wigan will cope with the pressure.
“There’s a lot of history weighing on the shoulders of all the Wigan players and this is going to be a big day for them, especially their young guns They’ll know all about the club’s history in the competition and how much expectation comes with that.”
Morley, who led Warrington Wolves to back-to-back Wembley wins in 2009 and 2010, is a close friend with Leeds prop Jamie Peacock and believes the England captain’s presence could prove the difference.
“It was really tough on ‘JP’ when he had to miss last year’s final after injuring his knee following the semi-final and this is a massive match for him. Playing at Wembley is something he’s dreamed about all his life and he can be counted upon to lead from the front,” said Morley.
“I can’t believe anyone would doubt that a Wembley team featuring the likes of ‘JP’ won’t give as good as it gets. We’re training at Warrington on the day of the final so I can’t make it but it would be a shame if Leeds don’t get the massive support they deserve.”