Leeds Rhinos fitness boost as key player 'ready to go' for Challenge Cup final v St Helens

Key forward Lucy Murray has revealed she is “ready to go” for the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup final, after an injury scare in Rhinos’ 68-0 Super League win over Barrow Raiders seven days earlier. Murray scored two tries, but left the field in the second half with a damaged shoulder.

“I just took a bit of a knock, a bit of a stinger really,” she revealed. “It was just one of those I wasn't really expecting. I had a bit of a niggle on it in the first half and then got hit in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Thankfully, it's really good aftercare with the Rhinos. I was really looked after by Daniel [Tadmor, doctor] and the staff so I'm fit and ready to go. I never get injured; to be injured the week before Wembley wasn't ideal, but thankfully all is good now.”

Rhinos lost to Saints in the 2022 and 2023 finals and Murray, a member of the team beaten at Wembley last year, said: “The last couple of finals, we've come out on the losing side. I think it's about time we rise to the occasion and make it third time lucky. We know Saints are going to bring it to us and want to make it four in a row, but it's a chance for us to show we can win more than the Grand Final.

“We've got all the ingredients in the team. We've spent the whole season working together and building relationships to become a close-knit squad. Now is the time we should be winning the treble and coming away with the silverware.

“Everyone in the squad feels we're ready. For me personally, it would be absolutely unreal to win at Wembley with Leeds. After the last couple of finals, to come away as winners would be absolutely amazing. We're all aiming for that.”