Wembley calling – chance to win Challenge Cup final tickets

Whether it be Australian legends Brett Kenny and Paul Sterling doing battle in ’85, Sheffield Eagles’ remarkable upset of Wigan 13 years later or Don Fox’s famous missed kick as Wakefield lost the ‘Watersplash’ final in 1968, Wembley has the capability of creating iconic moments.

Maybe a teenage Robbie Paul’s historic hat-trick with Bradford Bulls in ’96 or Van Vollenhoven’s stunning try in ’61, bettered only by the incomparable Martin Offiah three decades later, such images are enduring and imprinted forever in the supporters’ psyche.

Who can forget underdogs Featherstone Rovers’ heroic triumph over star-studded Hull, and Syd Hynes’s infamous sending-off for Leeds versus Leigh after his altercation with the mischievous Alex Murphy?

The Challenge Cup is undoubtedly the sport’s most famous and prestigious knockout competition, first contested in 1897 it is rich in history, splendour and tradition.

Now readers have the chance to experience all the thrills and spills of this year’s showpiece occasion.

Leeds Rhinos face Wigan Warriors at Wembley on Saturday, August 27 and the Yorkshire Post has teamed up with the Rugby Football League to offer four pairs of tickets for the intriguing final.

Leeds, who suffered a demoralising defeat at the famous stadium against Warrington Wolves 12 months ago, are looking for their first triumph since the 1999 success over London Broncos.

The West Yorkshire club have featured in four finals since – 2000, 2003, 2005 and last year – but lost them all so they are desperate to end that dismal run.

Meanwhile, Wigan won a record-breaking eight consecutive finals between 1988 and 1995, teams starring the likes of Ellery Hanley, Shaun Edwards and Andy Gregory.

But the reigning Super League champions and current leaders have not been to Wembley since that biggest shock yet against Sheffield in 1998.

Today’s stars ready to grace the final will include England captain Jamie Peacock, set to make his first appearance at Wembley after the Leeds prop agonisingly missed out last year due to injury, Rhinos captain Kevin Sinfield, keen to add the only trophy missing in his vast collection, and decorated ex-Australia captain Danny Buderus, striving to lift the cup before an expected return to Newcastle Knights.

In Wigan colours will be the irrepressible Sam Tomkins, rated the most exciting British player since Hanley, prolific points scorer Pat Richards, Kiwi ace Thomas Leuluai and NRL winner Brett Finch.

Those who are unsuccessful in the competition can still buy tickets for the 2011 Carnegie Challenge Cup final from the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk