Challenge Cup final betting: Hull FC and Wigan both 10/11 to lift trophy


Hull are hoping Gareth Ellis will bow out as a Challenge Cup winner and help cement the current team's place as one of the greatest in the club's history.

The Black and Whites edged Warrington in last year's final to win the cup at Wembley for the first time and are aiming to become the first Hull side to retain the trophy.

Veteran back-rower Ellis will lead the team out on Saturday and his impending retirement has given Sky Bet's 10/11 shots Hull extra motivation to beat Wigan, the team that whitewashed the Airlie Birds in the 2013 final.

"He's an absolute legend of the game and it's been an honour to play the last couple of years of his career with him," said team-mate Scott Taylor.

"If anyone deserves to go out with a few trophies, it's him. I can't speak highly enough of him and the boys are really fired up to send him out lifting that cup again.

"It'd be unbelievable to win back-to-back Challenge Cups because I don't think a Hull team has done it.

"We've got the chance to go to the Grand Final this year as well. We could arguably cement ourselves as one of the greatest Hull FC teams in history.

"To have your name associated with that team, it's what I took the game up for as a kid."

Scott Taylor
Scott Taylor

Taylor was in the Wigan side that beat Hull 16-0 at Wembley four years ago and got his hands on the Super League trophy just six weeks later.

His hometown club are aiming to emulate Wigan's achievement this year but Taylor knows first-hand how difficult it is to defeat the 19-time winners in a Challenge Cup final.

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"I went there to win trophies and I did the double in the first year," said the England prop.

"I had people like Lockers (Sean O'Loughlin) helping me overcome my nerves and they'll be doing the same for their young lads this time.

"They've been there and done it. They were the Grand Final winners last year and are a top, top team. It's going to be a really tough game for us.

"They've got a lot of experience, they peak at the right time and have match-winners all over their team - from Sam Tomkins to George Williams, Micky McIlorum, Joe Burgess and Sean O'Loughlin.

"They've got internationals all over the park and you know no matter what happens you're in for a right battle.

"Waney (Shaun Wane) gets their pack fired up. They're all tough and in your faces for 80 minutes.

"I'd say a Wigan pack is one of the toughest you'll play against in your career."

While the Warriors warmed up for Wembley by easing past Salford to move to within a point of Super League's top four, Hull were comfortably beaten by Huddersfield on home soil.

"If we want to get a home semi-final, that performance on Friday night wasn't acceptable," said Taylor, who sat out the match.

"But if we win on Saturday people might be saying it was a blessing in disguise and the kick up the backside we needed."

Related links

Hull FC v Wigan odds
Fixtures and Super League results

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