Unbeaten Leeds target wheelchair Grand Final win
Leeds Rhinos face Halifax Panthers in the Wheelchair Super League Grand Final in Hull on Sunday at 17:30 BST
- Published
Leeds Rhinos face Halifax Panthers in Sunday's Wheelchair Super League Grand Final looking to complete the season unbeaten.
The Rhinos were beaten by the Panthers in 2022's showpiece and lost to Wigan last year.
Leeds coach James Simpson wants his side to prove their quality at the Allam Sport Centre in Hull.
"This shows you can go into these one-off games and do it all on the biggest stage," he told BBC Look North.
"We're looking at first and second, so this is the two best teams in the competition.
"With the play-offs, you have got the chance for an upset and somebody to come out of the shadows but this year it is one and two against one another."
Halifax are looking to beat their West Yorkshire neighbours in a Grand Final for the third time, having done so before in 2019 and 2022.
Panthers player Rob Hawkins said the rivalry between the two teams goes back more than a decade.
"The rivalry has been going on for years," he told BBC Look North.
"Since I started back in 2013, I think it was all that I have thought of is just Halifax v Leeds. It is a big Yorkshire derby.
"We won in a very close game two years ago and I am excited for Sunday."
Simpson welcomes great expectations
Simpson captained the Rhinos team when they beat Leyland Warriors in the Grand Final in 2021 as part of a treble.
The World Cup winner believes the sport is in a healthy place.
"We got given the Super League brand five years ago and that brought a new level of prestige," he added.
"Every year we are seeing more expectations on the teams. You must have a reserve team to show a pathway, you must have decent financial backing and you've got to meet 100% of your games.
"It's becoming more professional with a small p. Next year there will be even more expectations on the teams and I am excited for that. I welcome it."