Bramall Lane, Sheffield, will host the replay of the 2014 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final on Wednesday September 3 (8.00pm) should the scores be level at full-time in Saturday’s showpiece between Castleford Tigers and Leeds Rhinos at Wembley Stadium.
The Challenge Cup final is the only Rugby League final that goes to a replay rather than be decided on the day by golden point in extra time and the home of Sheffield United FC has been lined up to host the re-match.
This year’s final is expected to be a close encounter, with the two teams drawing 24-24 in a First Utility Super League fixture at Leeds in July and the Rhinos only beating Castleford by eight points back in May.
The last time a Challenge Cup final went to a replay was the 1982 final between Hull FC and Widnes, when the original game at Wembley ended deadlocked at 14-14. The replay was staged to Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, and finished in a Hull FC victory, 18-9.
Of course the most famous replay in Rugby League history was the Challenge Cup final replay held at Odsal Stadium in Bradford in 1954, which is well known for its attendance of over 102,000 supporters.
The game ended with a score line of 8-4 in favour of Warrington, who had drawn 4-4 with Halifax in the original final.
The last time Castleford and Leeds met in the Challenge Cup was in the 2011 semi-finals when once again the final score was extremely close, finishing in a 10-8 victory for the Rhinos.
What do you think about this match? Discuss this and much more on our free fans’ forum. For more Rugby League news and features, subscribe to League Express newspaper and Rugby League World magazine. You can also connect with us on the social media platform of your choice
