Rugby League Last Hurrahs Set to Be Thrillers

It's been an exciting Rugby League season for teams from England's north - where the sport has its roots, and where Rugby League is particularly strong. After all, it was here that Rugby League as a sport distinct from slower rugby union was born, in Huddersfield's George Hotel. Rugby League was born there in 1895.

Castleford Tigers are celebrating the decision of half back sensation, New Zealander Rangi Chase, to sign a four-year contract with the West Yorkshire side. Many regard the 23-year-old as the hottest new rugby league recruit in this year's Super League. Already he has been an outstanding member of the Castleford Tigers line-up, notching 14 tries. It's one of the latest successes in Castleford Tigers' proud history. A Castleford side has played rugby league continuously since 1926. Castleford Tigers, who have previously been relegated from the Super League, learned last July that their Super League licence application for 2009-11 had been successful. With plans in the pipeline for a new stadium at Glasshoughton, replacing their existing home ground, 'the Jungle', the future looks bright for the Castleford Tigers. Meanwhile, Leeds Rhinos, the current European Super League champions, have saved the best of the rugby league season until last at their Headingley Carnegie ground, with St Helens set to visit Leeds Rhinos final home league game of the season on Friday 4th September, kicking off at 8pm.

Leeds Rhinos go into the game in top spot after a win over Celtic Crusaders, while St Helens will be hoping to hold on to the League Leaders Shield they have won for the past four seasons. So it looks set to be a great game. All eyes will also be on another of rugby league's last hurrahs before the international competitions, this month's Challenge Cup final at Wembley. For the first time in well over two decades, none of the so-called 'Big Four'- Leeds Rhinos, Wigan, St Helens and Bradford - will be there. Instead, the outcome will be far from unclear as the Warrington Wolves battle it out with Huddersfield Giants in rugby league's showpiece game, making for a thrilling encounter. Huddersfield Giants have felt the influence of a new coach, Nathan Brown. They last reached the final in 2006, losing to St Helens, but the team's chairman, said then that Huddersfield Giants would become a real force in rugby league, and the side is now one of the most improved in the Super League. This year, they will finish in the top four, while only last year, they came third from bottom.

Huddersfield Giants players to watch out for include half-backs Kevin Brown and Luke Robinson, and hooker Scott Moore. But, for Huddersfield Giants the real man of the moment is Brett Hodgson. The full-back and former Wests Tigers player is a dangerous attacker, an awesome defender, and a fearless tackler.

The even matching of both teams is sure to make for an exciting final to linger in the memory until rugby league action starts up again.