New RFL President Tony Adams has joined the coaches of the four clubs heading to Wembley tomorrow in urging supporters to show all that is good about the sport at its traditional showpiece occasion – and follow the Enjoy the Game campaign.
“Wembley is a special place,” said Adams, the former Arsenal and England captain who succeeded Andy Burnham in the ceremonial role of President last month, and will attend his first matches in that capacity on familiar territory.
“I played at the old stadium on numerous occasions, but this will be a new experience for me in a number of ways. I can’t wait.
“It’s an occasion for all of us to enjoy, whether that’s players, officials or supporters. Keep it simple – Enjoy the Game!”
The coaches of the Coral Challenge Cup finalists, Justin Holbrook of St Helens and Steve Price of Warrington Wolves, have echoed that message on their club digital channels – as have Sheffield Eagles legend Mark Aston and Widnes Vikings coach Kieron Purtill, whose teams will contest the first final of the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup for non-Super League clubs.
Ralph Rimmer, the chief executive of the Rugby Football League, said: “Wembley weekend is special for the game, and it’s the perfect stage for us to celebrate all that is good about Rugby League.
“We start with the Warners Champions School final between the Year Seven boys of Great Sankey and Standish, the traditional curtain-raiser known as the Steven Mullaney Memorial Match.
“Then we have one of the game’s great local rivalries, St Helens versus Warrington, played out at Wembley with the Challenge Cup at stake for the first time – with the action rounded off by a first 1895 Cup Final between two clubs with great Wembley memories of their own, Sheffield Eagles and Widnes Vikings.
“I’d like to thank the coaches of the four clubs for declaring their support for our Enjoy the Game campaign, along with our new President Tony Adams. It sets the tone for what should be a great weekend for Rugby League.”
