Challenge Cup final: Warrington boss Sam Burgess relishes the occasion

One of the biggest days in the domestic rugby league calendar is less than 24 hours away.

Wembley Stadium hosts a great day of action with Saturday morning’s Women’s Challenge Cup Final in a triple header, followed by the Men’s Challenge Cup Final and then the 1895 Cup Final.

Warrington Wolves boss Sam Burgess, whose side face Super League and World Club Challenge champions Wigan Warriors in the men’s final, is preparing for a feast for the eyes at the national stadium.

“It’s fitting that we have the women’s final and the 1895 Cup final as well as the schools final,” he told BBC Sport.

“It’s a carnival of rugby league and it should be a great day out. Hopefully there’s plenty to inspire people to go and pursue a career in the sport.”

As a player, Burgess lit up the southern hemisphere, cementing himself as one of Australia’s greatest NRL players, but also one of England’s greatest exports.

As well as starring in a Southern Sydney Rabbitohs side that stormed their way to the NRL title in 2014, Burgess has also represented Great Britain and England on more than 20 occasions.

The Challenge Cup is one of the few honors that eluded him during his playing days.

But after becoming head coach at Warrington earlier this year, the missing element of his CV is up for grabs – all the more impressive considering he’s only six months into his coaching career.

“It’s a great stage. It’s at Wembley. I was there as a fan as a kid in 1999 and I was there as an England player in 2013 and now I’m there in 2024 as a manager,” he continued.

“I’ve never experienced it in the Challenge Cup, it’s a whole new thing. You just have to soak it all in and not let the emotion get to you.

“We’re going to enjoy it and it’s a great week in the rugby league calendar. There’s a lot going on this week and it’s a great occasion, both teams are in great form and I’m looking forward to the game.”

Like Burgess, Matt Peet reached a final in his first season as coach.

The Englishman guided Wigan Warriors to victory over Huddersfield Giants in the 2022 Challenge Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, just months into his burgeoning coaching career.

Peet has since completed a clean sweep with the Cherry and Whites, taking home last season’s Leaders’ Shield and the Super League title and starting in 2024 stunning the Penrith Panthers to win the World Club Challenge.

But Peet has yet to lead the line with Wigan at Wembley – something that will be rectified this weekend.

“Tottenham felt modern, innovative and fresh, but with Wembley comes history, tradition and nostalgia. It’s different and we’ll embrace it,” Peet told BBC Sport.

“You would go down as a kid or with your friends and family and enjoy a whole day – traveling down and spending time with your family and watching Wigan win.

“When you go as a staff member, it’s a bit more stressful, but it’s still a fantastic experience. You feel like you’re at the center of a big occasion and it’s all about the team’s performance.”

Unlike some finals where there is no love lost between the two sides, Saturday’s will serve up a showpiece with plenty of good nature between the two coaches.

The final is between two of the most impressive teams in Super League this season – with Warrington winning nine of their 13 games while Wigan are level on points with leaders St Helens.

“I certainly respect him (Burgess). He’s been an incredible player over the years. He’s one of the best produced in this country,” Peet added.

“I also like the way he behaved as a coach. He walks away from his team and they convince him.

“I see a lot to admire about Sam as a coach and I think it’s no coincidence that his team is playing very well.”

In the Women’s Challenge Cup Final, Leeds Rhinos play St Helens.

Sheffield Eagles face Wakefield Trinity in the 1895 Cup.