Dave K. wrote:
I don't think they ever looked like serious contenders though during this time.
Fair enough. Obviously with hindsight, they’ll be seen as a team that didn’t quite have what it takes to go all the way. And even at the time there was maybe an expectation that it’ll be Leeds and if not, then Wigan or Saints. Until there’s a different name of the trophy, it’s kind of difficult to imagine another name on the trophy. Although Warrington and Cas getting there felt like a bit of something new, their losses kind of reinforced the feeling of same old, same old.
The cup is a different type of competition, but at that time they had as good a shot as most. And winning it with Hudds would be something special, whereas it is a bit ‘up with the rations’ at Leeds and Wigan.