Wembley triple-header is in store to boost appeal of cup
A NEW competition, offering lower division clubs a realistic chance of playing at Wembley, will spearhead attempts to revive rugby league’s ailing Challenge Cup.
Once the undisputed highlight of the sport’s domestic calendar, the tournament has been in decline since the start of the summer era and this year’s final, when Catalans Dragons beat Warrington Wolves, was watched by a crowd of just 50,672.
The 2019 showpiece will take place on Saturday, August 24 as part of a triple-header at Wembley also including the traditional schoolboys’ curtain-raiser, the Steven Mullaney Memorial Match, and the first 1895 Cup decider.
Details of the new competition will be announced on Sunday, November 25, along with the Betfred Championship and League One fixtures, but the Rugby Football League (RFL) say it will offer clubs outside Super League a “second chance to reach Wembley next year”.
The RFL have also revealed the 2020 final will take place more than a month earlier, on Saturday, July 18.
Speculation the final could be moved away from Wembley has been ended by news of a new agreement with the stadium which will see it continue there until at least 2027.
Of the 1895 Cup, RFL chief executive Ralph Rimmer said: “It’s a recognition the game has changed since the onset of fulltime professionalism in the Super League era. For a good number of the Championship and League One clubs reaching Wembley currently seems a distant dream. This innovation makes that dream much more realistic and achievable.” TWO-TIME Grand Final winner Mitch Garbutt has completed his move from Leeds Rhinos to Hull KR on a three-year contract.
The Australian front-rower had a year left on his Leeds deal, but his departure will open up a second space on Rhinos’ overseas quota.
Garbutt joined Rhinos from Melbourne Storm midway through the 2015 season and helped them win the Challenge Cup, against Hull KR, league leaders’ shield and Grand Final in his first 14 games for the club.
In total he scored nine tries in 72 appearances for Rhinos, but a succession of knee injuries limited him to just nine games this year.
It was revealed last month Garbutt was among a number of contracted players who would be allowed to leave if they they could agree a deal at another club.
The 29-year-old said: “The opportunity came up to leave Leeds, I had a chat with a few people and then met with Tim [Sheens, Hull KR’s coach] and he was really good.
“He was really straight forward with what he wanted and I think I’ll fit in really well.”
Garbutt’s move reunites him with former Rhinos teammate Danny McGuire who has confirmed 2019 will be his final season as a player.
Sheens said: “Mitch brings a wealth of experience to our team and joins what is now an impressive and experienced front-row including Robbie Mulhern, Lee Jewitt, Mose Masoe and Nick Scruton.
“When a player of Mitch’s ability becomes available it’s important to move quickly to tie them down and we’re delighted we’ve been able to secure his services until 2021.”