Well as a Wire fan in the last few weeks I've become more convinced you should start as favourites.
Your forwards are bossing it, allowing Sneyd and Carlos to play on the front foot and the backs are solid in both attack and defence.

If we lose Westermann it'd be a big blow.

We rely too much on Hill in the forwards, although our ptb is excellent with Clarkey, Dwyer and the wingers/Ratch.

I can see how you can beat us - target the outside backs - particularly King and Russell.
I'm struggling to see where your weaknesses are.

The final could be the Sandow show - I say 'could be' because it's just the sort of stage where he either excels or has a stinker.
If our forwards can live with you and give him some space then him and Gidley will really come into their own.

We've play well in patches this year and I think that we're 2nd in the league due to the massive injury lists most clubs have had.
Hull have played far more consistently after the early Widnes debacle, and I have to say that you're the team in form.

TS has been there, seen it, done it so that's one area where we have more experience to draw on. He usually has a decent game plan.

Our 17 will be the same as this week if all fit, but if Westermann is injured I could see wither Cox or Wilde coming in.
It seems that Julien has gone off the radar at the moment - don't know why, and for some unknown reason, Penny is out of favour.
Most Wire fans want Penny to start and Evans to go to centre.
Toby King is young and still learning his trade but I don't know why he's able to hold his place - especially as Evans is an excellent defensive centre.

Good post, thanks for your insight. I think Warrington's, and specifically Smith's, experience in big play-off games over recent years is a contributor to your favourites status, plus you have the player with the greatest X factor in the competition.

Tony smith and Keith senior 2005 didn't work out well. Kear out smartered him

I don't go for all this big game experience it's whoever turns up on the day for me

I understand that -and for getting a team up for a one off game Kear is head and shoulders above any other coach.

I think Smith learnt a lot from that experience - which is why I'd be surprised if he risks Westerman if he isn't at least 95% fit.
Joe will be in the 19 and they'll delay the decision as long as possible but it really is touch and go for next week if he's done more than tweak his ankle.

Fez1 is right about attacking down kings side. He is out of his depth and an excellent defensive centre in evans has been shifted out to the wing to accommodate him. Even in our easy semi final win, wakefield scored two tries and made several clean breaks down his side. I dread to think what your backs could do to him!

Too close to call IMO. If we can defend well in the middle and stop them getting a quick PTB and the roll on from their dummy runs then I think we have the measure of them but it's forecast to be hot so it could be a big ask to defend that well for 80 minutes. I think our outside backs are better than theirs and we need to be kicking to their wingers and not ratchford.

Should be a really good game

He could be in for a torrid time if he's defending fonua's side although I wouldn't be surprised if smith moves evans back to centre

I really, really, really hope you're right. But he is too stubborn to bring back penny or lineham so it looks like king will play. Plan your homecoming celebration now

No chance, we'll never win at wembley. I think someone even made up a song about it.

Agree about smith though. His arrogance is probably his biggest weakness and probably cost him a cup win in 2005

That's good to hear, full strength team then looks like both teams came through unscathed then

,

Totally agree that Evans should be played at centre.

Pretty sure Westerman will be ok, didn't look to be hobbling when he came on the pitch at the end, anyway win or lose I just hope it's a great day for all fans. Of course a win will make it better but just enjoy the day.

Well said, either way its a great day out. I remember mixing with the wire fans at Huddersfield in 2013, some great banter.

And this is why Rugby League is the greatest sport, not only great to watch but the fans can have banter with out belting Shiite out of each other unlike our round ball friends.

Parking at Stanmore, is it best getting a day travel pass or get single tickets, I read somewhere that it's cheaper if you use contactless, is that correct?

That's what I've heard to about contactless and what I'll be doing.

Contactless to Wembley is £1.50 each way; tickets are £4.90. There is a daily cap on contactless as well if you are heading to central London .

If you are there early, the station car park is only £2 for the full day.

Thanks, what do you mean daily cap?

Already booked parking, paid £9 to park on someone's drive two minutes from the station, more expensive but makes it less stressful.

It means you won't pay more than about £9.40 if you are staying out of central London. Daily cap into central London is £11.40. If the fares go over, they refund the money.

Cheers mate, travel card is £12 so contactless it is then.

Sorry to but in, but just to confirm Contactless is charged same as Oyster card so def cheapest way to go. Safe Journey, See you on Wembley Way. Lets hope for a good day.

If you use contactless do you need to register the card in advance?

... I don't think so, it's just like any other card transaction. I'm going to use it, so I hope I'm right.

That's what I have assumed, my lot will all be using it to get around.

No, just swipe and go. We used it last year and it really is so easy.