Challenge Cup Final next up for Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League team

Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Rugby League team will be looking to pick up their second trophy in as many weeks when they face The Argonauts in the Challenge Cup Final on Saturday 17th August.

The showpiece event gets underway at 3pm at EIS Sheffield, with Rhinos hoping to build on last week’s success when they wrapped up the League Leaders’ title with an emphatic 118-32 win over second place Halifax.

It would be the first time that the side have ever won the Challenge Cup, and Head Coach Joshua Gardner says that is something his side are determined to achieve.

“The team are ready, that’s the only way to put it. We have never won this trophy and as a team we are ready to change that and mark our names in Wheelchair Rugby League history.

“We’re in great form at the moment, but are well aware of the challenge ahead and we’re fully focused on performing at our best this weekend.

“It has been a long journey to get where we are now. This trophy means the world to our team and we will do everything we can to bring it home.”

Yet to lose in game in 2019, Rhinos will be clear favourites going into Saturday’s clash The Argonauts. However, Gardner points to two tough encounters against the Kent side already this season as evidence for it being another huge test of his side’s ability and character.

“Both games against The Argonauts were probably toughest games of the season. This weekend we expect it to be even closer, because The Argonauts have got better each game they’ve played, as have we.

“I said to the team straight after winning the League Leaders’ last week that our season is far from over. We go again, we work hard and we win our last three games, including the two finals we’re in.”

It is the third year in succession that Rhinos have reached the Challenge Cup Final, losing the previous two to Halifax. Captain James Simpson, who led the side in both of those matches, says he is hoping to make it third time lucky.

“It would incredible to come away with the win and make up for the incredible disappointment of the last two cup finals.”

“Captaining this side is one of the easiest jobs going at the moment. Our squad has been playing together for years and we’ve gelled together so well.

“We have a great bunch of players and we need to stick to our brand of footy and play the game our way to come away with the win. We know there will be some tough periods of the game we need to dig in and ride out the storm.

Live streaming of the Challenge Cup Final will be available on the Leeds Rhinos Wheelchair Sports Club Facebook page and the RFL’s Our League App, Kick Off 3pm.

Follow the side on Twitter @LeedsRhinosWSC.

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