Luke Gale’s kicking masterclass pulled the strings throughout as Leeds Rhinos booked their place at Wembley.
Brad Dwyer and Konrad Hurrell made their first appearances in over a fortnight after completing Covid-19 self-isolation periods, while Wigan handed massive opportunities to prop-forward Ethan Havard and half-backs Harry Smith, who played on Tuesday, and Joe Shorrocks.
Rhyse Martin bagged the opening ten points; his score, where he unexpectedly received the ball and ducked low, was sandwiched in between two penalty goals.
Ash Handley was available in support, while Hurrell’s sublime cut-out ball to Tom Briscoe had Leeds in a controlling 20-0 lead at half-time.
On the 68th minute, the second-half deadlock was broken. Liam Sutcliffe was surrounded by four Wigan defenders, but managed to get a miraculous offload to Handley for his second. Martin added his third penalty of the afternoon to prevent any comeback and put Leeds into a five-score lead.
Wigan scored two consolations as Harry Smith raced away the length-of-the-field and Zak Hardaker dived over. Both were converted by Hardaker but it was already far too late.
Leeds: Myler, Handley, Hurrell, L. Sutcliffe, T. Briscoe, Lui, Gale, Seumanufagai, Leeming, Oledzki, Mellor, Martin, Prior; Subs: Holroyd, Dwyer, Smith, Donaldson
Wigan: French, Manfredi, Hardaker, Bibby, J. Burgess, Hastings, Leuluai, Havard, Powell, Partington, Farrell, Isa, O’Loughlin; Subs: Bullock, Greenwood, Jo. Shorrocks, Smith
The Coral Challenge Cup Final will take place on Saturday 17th October at 3pm as Leeds take on the winner of Salford and Warrington (KO: 5pm).
