Wigan and Warrington Set for All-Lancashire Challenge Cup Final Showdown
The upcoming Challenge Cup final will be an all-Lancashire affair, as Wigan Warriors take on Warrington Wolves at Wembley next month. This guaranteed dominance of teams from west of the Pennines in the sport’s showpiece event has not gone unnoticed, with one renowned Wigan supporter noting on Twitter that only one trophy in the last 18 has made its way over the Pennines.
While there may be some debate over whether Warrington and Wigan can truly be considered “Lancashire” clubs, there’s no denying their absence of Yorkshire representation. A look back at the last 18 major trophies awarded paints a clear picture of the west side of the Pennines’ stranglehold on rugby league.
The Challenge Cup Drought
The Challenge Cup has seen no Yorkshire team triumph since Leeds Rhinos’ victory during the pandemic in an empty Wembley Stadium. The last Yorkshire team to win the cup in front of a crowd was Hull FC, way back in 2017.
The Super League Grand Final Dominance
Similarly, the Super League Grand Final has been dominated by non-Yorkshire teams, with Leeds Rhinos the last Yorkshire-based side to win at Old Trafford, also in 2017.
The League Leader’s Shield Trend
The League Leader’s Shield tells a similar story, with the last Yorkshire team to finish top of Super League being Castleford Tigers in 2017. Since then, it’s been a procession of Wigan, St Helens, and even the Catalans Dragons from across the Channel.
The question now is whether any Yorkshire team can end this Lancashire dominance. Based on the recent trends, it certainly looks bleak for the white rose faithful.
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