Dream Leeds v St Helens Wembley showdown dashed

Jun 3 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

HOPES of a dream Wembley showdown between Leeds and St Helens were dashed when Super League’s big two were paired with each other in the draw for the Carnegie Challenge Cup semi-finals.

Champions Leeds and Cup holders Saints were drawn out of the hat together to set up a repeat of last October’s Grand Final, which the Rhinos won 33-6, while outsiders Wakefield were paired with the other surprise semi-finalists Hull FC.

St Helens have won 13 successive ties and lifted the trophy at Twickenham in 2006 and at the new Wembley last August but they lost at home to Leeds in Super League earlier this season.

The tie also pits apprentice against master, with Leeds coach Brian McClennan facing his one-time New Zealand boss Daniel Anderson.

McClennan drew first blood when the Rhinos won 14-10 in Super League at Knowsley Road in March, while Saints will be out to avenge their Grand Final mauling.

“It’s a tough draw but we’ve had a tough draw all the way through,” said Anderson. “If we get to Wembley we will certainly have earned our passage.

“I’m really not worried about what happened last year. We’re a different team, they’re a different team and they’ve a different coach.”

The tie will rekindle memories of their 2003 semi-final at Huddersfield, which went to extra-time before Leeds secured victory.