Challenge Cup Final Preview #3 - This Means More!

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Rugby League is a team sport. An individual cannot achieve without a team. But the individual stories make sport fascinating. You watch players grow from boys to men over time and then worry about how old you are when you realise 'I remember when his dad used to play'! 

Like with all finals, this Saturday's Challenge Cup Final is packed to the brim with thrilling individual stories. In this blog, we pick out four!

James Donaldson (Leeds)

James Donaldson could have been forgiven at the end of the 2018 season for thinking that his rugby league career was fading away. He suffered ACL injuries in 2017 and 2018, had just been released by Hull KR and was without a club. 

In the 2018 off season, Donaldson secured a trial at Leeds. That turned in to a one-year contract and later a two-year extension. Donaldson combines his playing career with a full time university course. It's not an easy juggling act, but Donaldson told the Yorkshire Evening Post, it is nothing compared to the 18 hour days his father works on the family farm in Cumbria!

In August 2020, Donaldson suffered another injury setback, with a fractured back. Remarkably, he made a very speedy recovery and played in Leeds' semi final win over Wigan. He has brought his career back from the brink and is set to play in his second Challenge Cup Final. Can he get that precious winning medal?

Richie Myler (Leeds)

The start of 2020 was pretty tough for Richie Myler. He had lost the number 7 shirt to star signing Luke Gale and his first team opportunities were looking limited. Unfortunately, Jack Walker suffered a long-term foot injury, which opened the door for Myler.

He was asked to deputise in the unfamiliar role of full back and he took to it like a duck to water, arguably looking more at home in that position than in his traditional scrum half role.

What was looking like a disappointing year has turned into one of opportunity for Myler. However, Jack Walker has now returned from injury leaving coach Richard Agar with a dilemma. Stick with Myler who has served him so well in 2020 and bring Walker back in so soon after such a long lay-off?

If Myler does play, he will have no shortage of determination to repay his coach's faith.  

Kevin Brown (Salford)

Kevin Brown has enjoyed a long and distinguished career. He has played in Challenge Cup finals at Cardiff and Wembley. He has played in a Grand Final. He has even played in a World Cup final. But what he has never done is win a major trophy.

In 2019, he suffered a serious injury which ruled him out for most of the season. He did return to fitness in August, at the same time that Blake Austin suffered an injury which ruled him out of Wembley. Brown was loaned to Leigh, meanwhile Jack Hughes played at Wembley in the half back role. This was the signal that Brown's time at Warrington was coming to an end.

Meanwhile at Salford, Jackson Hastings was leaving. Ian Watson moved quickly to snap up 35-year old Brown. The half back has thrived in a leadership role, memorably scoring a winning try against Wigan in March, and delivering a commanding performance in the Challenge Cup semi final against his former club.

At the age of 36, Kevin Brown will play in his sixth major final. Is this the time he will finally pick up that elusive trophy?

Kallum Watkins (Salford)

By contrast, Kallum Wakins' career has been littered with success. He has won every trophy in the British game with Leeds.

But in 2018, Watkins suffered a major injury at the Magic Weekend. When he returned, it was clear he had lost a yard of his devastating pace. Whilst Watkins was Leeds captain, things did not seem to be going his way, including an ill-fated spell at second row. 

Perhaps Watkins needed a change of scene. How does the Gold Coast sound? To you and I, fantastic! Sadly, Watkins' move to the NRL did little to revive what was worryingly becoming a flat-lining career.

Watkins needed a lifeline. He got one from Toronto Wolfpack. The club then withdrew from Super League and Watkins was left without a club. This is just the sort of player that Ian Watson recruits. Someone who needs a chance.

Watkins has cemented a spot in Salford's starting line up and showed great patience to finish a tricky chance in Salford's semi final victory over Warrington.

On Saturday, Watkins will return to where he will believe he belongs. A showpiece event of rugby league. If he can secure a winning medal against former club Leeds, then it will show that players like him cannot be kept down.

Whilst you're here, why not read our other blogs in our Challenge Cup preview series?

Challenge Cup Final Preview #1 - Following Family Footsteps
Challenge Cup Final Preview #2: I dreamed a dream by the old canal

Remember to check back here on Thursday for our final preview blog!

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