For every unlikely tale about David v Goliath outcomes in the shadow of the twin towers, the Challenge Cup annals are filled with dozens more stories of superior teams realising their ambitions.

Sheffield's win against Wigan in 1998 was all the more remarkable because of the dominance their opponents had imposed on the competition for much of the previous decade, while Featherstone's famous success in 1983 was perhaps not the shock it has since been portrayed.

Featherstone beat Hull 25 years ago after winning at St Helens a few weeks before Wembley and beating Bradford in the semi-finals, scalps which were no less prized than those of the Airlie Birds.

Hull will take some heart from the events of 1983, 1998 – and their own Cup final success against Leeds in Cardiff three years ago – when they run out at Wembley on Saturday, but the bookmakers and many others give them little chance.

The odds against them may not be stacked as high as they were for Sheffield – Saints are 1-7 favourites to retain the Challenge Cup while Wigan were 1-14 in 1998 – but it will take no less a Herculean effort from Richard Agar's team to become the first Hull side to win at Wembley.

So can they do it? The bookies think not, but is there anyone outside the confines of the Hull dressing room who believes they can succeed where Catalans Dragons failed in the first final played at the new national stadium last year?

We asked a panel of experts to give their view . . .

Mick Potter – Catalans Dragons coach

"Anything is possible on the day. The final only lasts 80 minutes and if Hull are still in the game at half-time they'll fancy their chances. With 40 minutes to go it just becomes a matter of time.

Saints will try and up the tempo quite frequently and if Hull allow them to get into one of their offload flurries they could be done for.

I think it's possible and it would be foolish to discount them. They have a lot of experience in their ranks and some great players. I don't think the Super League table indicates their true value to the competition.

They need to make their tackles and stick to what they have planned to do."

Steve McNamara – Bradford Bulls coach and former Hull captain.

"I am not saying they are going to win, but I firmly believe they can do it.

Finals are different to any other game you play in, they are very energy sapping and your previous form counts for very little. It's all about what happens on the day.

There's a massive amount of potential within the Hull squad. Saints' experience counts for a lot, but Hull are no mugs and most of their players have played in Challenge Cup finals, grand finals, State of Origin games and internationals so they know what is expected of them.

They were underdogs when they came to Grattan Stadium for the quarter-final, but they won. We didn't take them lightly that day and Saints won't on Saturday, either.

They have to defend strongly around the middle, control the ruck and get their kicking game in order. If they do that it wouldn't surprise me if they won."

Arthur Bunting – Hull coach in the 1980, 1982, 1983 and 1985 Challenge Cup finals

"I have no doubts in my mind that they can do it. We went there a few times as firm favourites, but never quite managed it.

Back in 1983 Featherstone were the underdogs in most people's eyes because, like Hull are now, they were at the wrong end of the table, but they beat some good sides to get to Wembley. I think I'm still one of the few people who weren't surprised that they won and I wouldn't be surprised if Hull did it on Saturday.

Our league form hasn't been great, but we've always managed to turn it on in the Cup. As we showed in the semi-final, we're capable of playing some top class rugby and it's a shame the injuries haven't allowed us to do it consistently.

But this is a Cup final, a one-off. I'll be delighted for Richard Agar if he does it. It's annoying that the Rovers fans keep singing 'You'll never win at Wembley', but until now it's been true.

I think we'll have them choking on their words on Saturday."

John Kear – Wakefield coach and coach of Hull in 2005

"This is certainly a match they can win. There have been a lot of upsets in the Challenge Cup, especially in finals, and there is no doubt in my mind that Hull have what it takes.

They have under-achieved in Super League and 11th place is a massive disappointment for them, but they have the players needed to make amends.

Hull showed what they are capable of with that blistering start in their semi-final victory against us and if they play like that for the full 80 minutes they will take some stopping. I don't think anyone should under-estimate them.

St Helens are a tremendous rugby league team and until a month ago you'd have to say they were world class. They are gong to take some beating, but I know for a fact that Hull will not regard them as unbeatable.

Players don't think like that and I don't buy into it either. Saints have won their last 20 matches, but Hull will go into the final confident of a great performance and that will be enough for them to come away with a win."

A minute's silence will be held before Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup final in memory of Don Fox, the 1968 Lance Todd Trophy winner who died a week ago after a long illness at the age of 72.


Fan's eye view

Andrew 'Wolfie' Pahlen – Lifelong Hull fan

"My heart tells me they can, but my head says otherwise. It would be wonderful if we did win and I keep telling myself it's a two-horse race.

We have a great coach in Richard Agar and I know he'll have us up for it. I don't buy into the view that it's going to be one-sided – I think we'll push them close.

Winning at Cardiff was fantastic, but Wembley would be something else. I was there when we lost in 85 and 83, I was there for the draw in 82 and, as hard as I've tried to forget, I still remember how I felt when I was there in 1980 when we were beaten by the 'Dark Side.' Whatever happens it's going to be a great weekend. I run a coach to all away games, but have four coaches for the final – three going there and back on the day and 'Wolfie's Fun Bus' which is on for a three-day trip.

I hope I'm wrong because
no one is going to celebrate harder than me if we do win."