The odds may be against them, but Leeds Rhinos are quietly confident of creating an upset in tomorrow’s (Saturday) Wheelchair Challenge Cup final.

The BBC-streamed showpiece, at Robin Park in Wigan (3pm), is three-time winners Leeds’ first appearance in the Cup decider since a loss to Catalans Dragons four years ago and they are up against the sport’s form team in Halifax Panthers. Rhinos were beaten 62-42 when the sides met in Betfred Wheelchair Super League last Saturday, a month after Panthers battled to a narrow 52-46 victory in the same competition.

Halifax won all three major trophies last year and are on track to retain the league leaders’ shield, but Leeds coach James Simpson-Hill insists his side aren’t overawed. “Everyone’s in really good spirits and really fired up for it, in a nice relaxed way,” he said.

Leeds Rhinos wheelchair coach James Simpson talks to his players. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

“If you look at it on paper they are definitely favourites, we’d be daft not to think that, but I don’t think it means anything in finals. Rugby league teaches you that.

“You do things differently in a final, you might not put that pass on that you would in a league game or you might not put that kick on or the ball might bounce differently. It’s not as if we don’t have the experience, this is our seventh Challenge Cup final and we’ve been in multiple Grand Finals.

“We’ve got players who’ve played at the top level for England and Wales. We know we have the tools in our kit to get it done and the experience as well.”

Rhinos ended last season without a trophy or appearance in either major final so winning on Saturday would be extra special. Simpson-Hill stressed: “Every trophy means a lot and when you are at Leeds - and I am sure Brad [Arthur, Rhinos’ men’s coach] and Lois [Forsell, women’s team boss] would say the same - you have such high expectations, because of the club you’re at and the badge your wear and the people who’ve come before you.

Leeds Rhinos' Nathan Collins is tackled by Joseph Calcott, of Halifax Panthers, during the sides' Super League meeting at The Edge, University of Leeds, last month. Picture by Olly Hassell/SWpix.com.

“We don’t like settling for anything less than at least a shot at a trophy so it means a lot to all the players to get something in the bag after a year and a half of nothing. That might sound daft because it’s only a year and a half, but to us it means we aren’t where we want to be.”