Hold onto your seats, rugby league fans, because a bold prediction has just been made that could shake up the entire season! Jon Wilkin, a respected pundit, has tipped Hull FC to not only advance past Leigh Leopards next month but to go on a full-blown cup run this year, potentially culminating in a Wembley final on May 30. But here's where it gets controversial: Wilkin’s confidence isn’t just about Hull’s recent 60-0 thrashing of Salford RLFC—it’s rooted in a bit of off-field drama. Last year, Hull ‘pinched’ Leigh’s star players, including their captain and talisman, John Asiata, creating a tense rivalry between the two teams. Wilkin believes this edge could give Hull the upper hand in their upcoming clash.
Speaking on BBC Radio Manchester after the cup draw, Wilkin drew parallels between Hull’s current situation and their 2015 season, which preceded their back-to-back Challenge Cup wins in 2016 and 2017. ‘I’m going Hull FC,’ he declared. ‘If they beat Leigh, I fancy them to go on a cup run this year. There are a lot of similarities to where Hull are now compared to 2015—maybe good omens for John Cartwright.’
And this is the part most people miss: while Hull’s focus is on Leigh, there’s a bigger picture at play. Kevin Brown, another rugby league expert, has predicted a potential derby final between Hull FC and their cross-city rivals, Hull KR. The two teams last met in the cup in 1986 and contested a final in 1980, making a repeat showdown this year feel almost destined. ‘I’ve just got a feeling it’ll be a big derby,’ Brown said. ‘Either Hull FC-Hull KR or Wigan-Saints. It’s going to be something special.’
But here’s the real question: Is Wilkin’s prediction a stroke of genius or a risky overestimation? Hull’s recent form is impressive, but Leigh won’t go down without a fight, especially with a grudge to settle. And while a derby final would be electric, can Hull KR or Hull FC navigate their respective paths to Wembley? Let’s not forget the other Super League heavyweights in the mix. This cup run is far from a done deal, and that’s exactly why it’s so thrilling.
What do you think? Is Hull FC’s cup run a foregone conclusion, or is Wilkin getting ahead of himself? And who would you rather see in the final—Hull FC vs. Hull KR or another matchup entirely? Sound off in the comments below and let the debate begin!
