Wembley statue details to be revealed

The identity of the new rugby league statue to be housed at Wembley Stadium will be revealed next week.

Since November last year, there has been much debate and discussion over the statue, which resulted in fans, journalists, coaches, players and MP’s voting for a six-strong shortlist.

Rugby league has been associated with Wembley for over 80 years, with the first Challenge Cup final played at the stadium in 1929.

It will become the second sport to be recognised at the stadium, with a statue of football legend Bobby Moore already in place at the ground.

The statue will be of either Billy Boston, Eric Ashton, Martin Offiah, Gus Risman, Alex Murphy or a group representation of them all, and will be announced next Thursday.

Two days later, Warrington will take on Leeds in the Challenge Cup final, where other names may write themselves in to rugby league history.

Should the Rhinos win at Wembley, they will become the second most decorated Challenge Cup team of all time.

It would be their 12th triumph, equalling the number won by St Helens, although the Rhinos will now have appeared in 23 finals in total.

Last year’s winners Wigan remain the most prolific Challenge Cup team, appearing in 29 finals and winning 18.