Morley determined to make it final double at Rhinos expense

THERE is no middle ground with Adrian Morley.

The esteemed England prop knows nothing other than putting everything on the line and it is the sort of attitude which has established himself as one of the world's most intimidating and decorated forwards.

It comes as no suprise then that there is not the merest whiff of sentiment as the Warrington captain prepares to launch into Leeds at Wembley – the side he first won the Challenge Cup with 11 years ago.

"I was fortunate enough to be in that team but just because it is Leeds this weekend doesn't give me any more incentive," he said.

"It doesn't matter who we are up against.

"The main thing is we're there and we want to give a performance to be proud of and bring the cup back.

"Not many teams get the opportunity to go on and win the Challenge Cup and defend it.

"To do that would be really memorable and that is what we're aiming for."

It is a warning Leeds, who have not won rugby league's most famous trophy since that day in 1999, will do well to heed.

Backed by a uncompromising pack that seems to grow in stature every week, and with some electric attacking threats, Warrington are hitting form and remain confident of finishing on top in the finely-poised showpiece.

Morley, 33, led Warrington as they hoisted the cup 12 months ago with a ruthless victory over Huddersfield, their first win in the competition since 1975.

The veteran forward is being tipped as a potential Man of Steel following another vintage year with the Wolves, bidding to add a first Super League crown to their cup success, and he will be crucial in their quest against the Yorkshire opponents tomorrow.

Rhinos, where Morley started his career before switching to Sydney Roosters the year after that first Wembley triumph, have had the better of their foes twice so far this season and are slight favourites.

But Morley in his Leeds days, insisted: "It makes no odds just because they beat us in Super League. It won't have a bearing whatsoever on our mental state.

"They'll start favourites with the bookies and that's quite right but we'll see when we get out there.

"There are two sides who love to attack and play some really attractive rugby league.

"Although Leeds have won both games, there was plenty of points scored and it could be one of the best finals yet.

"Their semi with Saints will take some beating but we're going out there to do that."

Morley's only regret is he will not be resuming his customary battle with fellow warhorse Jamie Peacock, who is sidelined by the knee injury suffered a fortnight ago at Castleford.

"I'm really gutted for JP," he said. "He's a great friend and it's not every day you get the chance to play in a Challenge Cup final at Wembley.

"Any team would love to have JP in their side and I'd love to lock horns with him there.

"Even without him, though, I think we're going to have to produce our biggest game yet to beat Leeds.

"They have a lot of experience in big finals so it's going to be tough but it's amazing what getting your hands on some silverware can do for a club; we have got belief that we can go all the way in any competition."

Battle-hardened Morley met his erstwhile team-mates from '99 last year and admits the memories from the final itself, when Leeds overcame London Broncos in the last showpiece at the old ground, are still vivid.

"I was only 22 then and it was good to get the win so early in my career," he said.

"We had the 10-year anniversary last year and we watched the game back.

"I'll always remember Leroy Rivett's four tries and it was great to see some of the old boys again – Marc Glanville, Brad Godden, Martin Masella and Jamie Mathiou over from Australia and, of course, Graham Murray, too.

"When you do something like win the Challenge Cup final you have a bond for life.

"At that get-together, there was only me and Tez (Newton) still playing and obviously he isn't now so there's just me.

"Everyone was getting the beers in but we both had games coming up so we only had a couple; we'll have to wait until the 20th anniversary before we have a proper drink!"

However, Morley, who won an NRL Grand Final with Roosters and later added a Super League winners' ring following his brief spell at Bradford in 2005, believes his Warrington feat ranks higher.

"I was actually captain to the side with Lee (Briers) which was fantastic and I think that meant a little bit more to me than '99 – I actually got to lift the trophy," he said.

"Not many people get to do that and I want to do it again.

"This is where we want to be as a club – competing for these major titles."

Wolves coach Tony Smith sprung no late surprises when he announced his initial 19-man squad as the team set off for their London base yesterday.

Mickey Higham and Michael Cooper were added to the team that beat Catalans Dragons 54-12 in the semi-finals but both are likely to be left out of the line-up.

Smith opted against recalling England centre Chris Bridge, who made his comeback from a shoulder injury in the Carnegie Floodlit 9s at Headingley on Wednesday night.

Squad: L Anderson, V Anderson, Atkins, Briers, Carvell, Clarke, Cooper, Harrison, Hicks, Higham, King, Mathers, Monaghan, Morley (capt), Myler, Riley, Solomona, Westwood, Wood.

TOMORROW: Another double-page spread of Challenge Cup final previews includes an exclusive interview with Leeds Rhinos hooker Danny Buderus; insight from coach Brian McClennan; a nostalgic look back at the Leeds and Warrington 1936 final with Joe Warham and all the latest news from the pre-match Wembley walkabout.