It’s fair to say neither of the Betfred Challenge Cup finalists had the best preparation ahead of Saturdays big showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Favourites Wigan were beaten for the second week running, this time going down to Brett Hodgson’s Hull FC by 31-22.

The Hull boss did say before the game that maybe the visitors had one eye on the big dance with the Giants next weekend, but then later admitted he was wrong and that the Warriors came fully committed, but his side were just better on the night.

He said how proud he was of his players and their efforts to work for one another, not something we see week in week out off the Black and Whites of West Hull.

The other finalists, the Huddersfield Giants didn’t suffer a defeat in their final Betfred Super League game before all focus switches to the cup, but they weren’t good.

A last-gasp Jack Cogger drop goal on the 77th minute got Ian Watson’s men the two points against bottom club Toulouse.

Watson was scathing at halftime as his side went in 12-6 down, citing ‘sloppy’ play…and warned his side that you just can’t switch off and then just back on for the final.

Super League and Challenge Cup title sponsors Betfred have Wigan as 1/3 favourites, but I’m don’t think they’ll have things their own way against the Giants, who sit in 4th place in Super League, only a point behind the Warriors.

I think if Huddersfield are to win this game they need to be clinical with their kicking game and eliminate Wigan's biggest threat, Jai Field. A lot of that responsibility with be with former Saints halfback Theo Fages.

Field has been devastating for his side this year, and is currently leading the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel Award points. However, his biggest challenger comes in the shape of his opposite number Tui Lolohea. Both of these players have been so instrumental in their respective teams reaching the final.

Another significant battle is the aforementioned Theo Fages and Warriors skipper Thomas Leuluai. Both players will be tasked with controlling their teams and playing the game in the right part of the field via their kicking game.

Two key pack men for both clubs are Giants captain Luke Yates and Warriors veteran Liam Farrell. Yates, along with the experienced Chris Hill will be massive if the Giants are to win the all important forward battle.

A no nonsense, super fit competitor, Yates will be looking to lead the way with his performance doing the hard yards and leading the defensive line. Farrell is a bit more ‘strike’.

A prolific hole runner, which has resulted in him scoring his 500th point for the club in last week's defeat to Hull FC. Again, like Yates an ultimate professional, and somebody his coach Matty Peet will be looking to lead by example.

I really think this is a 50/50 game, and finding it difficult to see a clear winner. Only by the reason of more ‘big game’ experience, I’m going to go for a Warriors triumph.

Also, to open the scoring the obvious choice for Wigan is Super League's top try scorer Jai Field. However I’m going to say Huddersfield will be doing everything they can to contain him as much as possible, therefore I’m going to go for Liam Farrell to cross the whitewash first (14/1 at Betfred).

Finally, following my comments last week regarding Warrington and their poor season so far, I was proven correct.

I said that a game against the Saints is what they needed if they are to show what they are capable of and to turn their season around. Didn’t they just do that.

A huge improvement in attitude, effort and performance saw the Wolves only an ‘outstanding Tommy Makinson try-saver’ away from victory, as they finally went down 12-10 to the champions.

The big challenge for Daryl Powell’s players is to now back that up...every week.

St Helens Star:

Going back to that last minute play, what an effort from arguably the best winger in the Betfred Super League, and one of in the world.

I’m a massive fan of Tommy, be it his backfield carries, his spectacular finishes or his selfless efforts like that tackle on Connor Wrench.

He epitomises everything about what a top sportsman or woman should be, and it’s acts like that will help Saints claim their fourth title in a row come September!