Rugby League: Leeds Rhinos bid to retain Challenge Cup against Hull KR

Leeds Rhinos are overwhelmingly odds-on at 2/11 with Coral to beat Hull KR in the Challenge Cup final, as they look to win it for the second year in row.

The West Yorkshire side have steamrollered everything in front of them over the last few weeks, in the Super League Super 8s, even recording a 36-22 win over the Robins’ rivals Hull FC last time out at the KC Stadium, with coach Brian McDermott resting half of his team.

However, Rob Burrow, who was instrumental in the Rhinos’ win over Castleford Tigers at Wembley 12 months ago, crossed for a brace of tries on Humberside and is well fancied at 7/4 in the anytime market.

While McDermott’s side have bragging rights over the Robins this season, having beaten them twice in the Super League already, cup rugby is entirely different. At 4/1 they are well worth considering, as anything can happen and, although half back Terry Campese will miss the match, his other half in midfield, Albert Kelly can still have a major impact at 9/4 to score anytime.

It was Kieran Dixon who grabbed a couple of tries against the Rhinos in his side’s 36-16 defeat at Headingley the last time the two clubs met and is a terrific 2/1 price to do so again in the anytime market.

Leeds though are spoiled for choice and arguably have the best squad in Super League this season. Ryan Hall touched down twice in the match at Headingley, though also had success in last year’s final, with the winger playing a vital part as McDermott’s men tamed the Tigers. It is hardly surprising therefore, that he is odds-on at 8/13 to crash over in the anytime market, though a price of 7/1 to score first could be more favourable.

In what will be Jamie Peacock’s last ever Challenge Cup final, the most decorated player in the modern game, no doubt has sights on ending his career on a high and is 5/1 to cross anytime in what is sure to be an emotional occasion for the 37-year-old prop.