Impossible to oppose favs Wigan at Wembley on first glance

Anyone who watched Wigan’s ruthless dismantling of London Broncos in their Challenge Cup semi-final would make them worthy favourites for the final.

That record 12-try, 70-0 win on Saturday showcased the superiority of Shaun Wane’s side in every way, and ensured that they were likely to be the favourites whoever came through the second semi on Sunday.

In the event it was Hull FC who triumphed in a tense 16-12 win over holders Warrington, ensuring that it will be they who walk out alongside the Warriors at Wembley on August 24th.

That is likely to hold no concerns for the 1/4 Wigan, who have won each of their last eight Super League contests against the men from the KC Stadium.

That means that Wigan’s surprisingly poor record in this competition over recent years should be dispelled in what will be just a second final in nine years for them.

For a club who once called Wembley a second home during the late-1980s to mid-90s – when they won eight Challenge Cups in a row – it is undoubtedly a disappointing return, but nobody from the Cherry and Whites will be thinking about that when they take on opponents they’ve grown fond of facing.

Given that three of Wigan’s last four Super League wins over Hull have been by 14 points or more, the 11/10 on offer for a victory for the favourites with a -14.0 points handicap is likely to tempt many making a first glance at markets for the Wembley showpiece.

Hull, who are 10/3 to win the final, lost five Super League games in a row before their last four meeting with Warrington, and so whilst that indicates that the formbook can’t always be trusted, the Black and Whites will be fearful of yet another Wigan victory.

A win which looks a given based on previous meetings.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publication