Overview
- Kick-off is 6pm on Saturday, 11 October, at Old Trafford with live coverage on Sky Sports.
- Hull KR arrive as League Leaders' Shield and Challenge Cup holders seeking a clean sweep, while Wigan chase a third straight title after missing other trophies in 2025.
- Wigan coach Matt Peet praised Hull KR as deserving league leaders and said the focus is now solely on the standalone prize in Manchester.
- Hull KR’s Willie Peters urged Mikey Lewis to ‘own’ the occasion as previews spotlight pivotal matchups including Lewis vs Bevan French, Jai Field vs Arthur Mourgue and Jez Litten vs Brad O’Neill.
- Off the field, the RFL faces an unresolved governance dispute over a planned expansion to 14 teams, with Wigan owner Mike Danson challenging the move legally and leadership turbulence continuing; Hull KR will also bid farewell to retirees Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Micky McIlorum after the final.