DO NOT be surprised to see Shaun McRae sitting on a fence outside Wembley on Saturday.

The Salford Reds boss has divided loyalties at this year's showpiece Challenge Cup final, having coached both Saints and Hull during his career.

McRae says he does not mind who wins and he will gladly celebrate and commiserate with both sets of supporters come the final hooter.

McRae is experienced enough to know Saints start as red-hot favourites. Daniel Anderson's men are on an unbeaten 20-match run whereas Hull's problems on and off the field this season have been well-documented.

They have already lost one coach, they have been in hot water for fielding an illegible player and it has been more soap opera than champagne bubble bath for the Airlie Birds.

McRae nevertheless refused to write off the Humberside challenge.

He said: "You can throw the form book out of the window in any major final and that applies in every sporting contest, not just a game of rugby league.

"On the day anything can happen and in every two-horse race there's every chance that one of the horses will fall. Hull must run out at Wembley believing that and believing they can pull off what would be a major surprise.

Shocks

"We have all seen major shocks in the past and in 2005, Hull themselves managed to turn Leeds over and lift the cup.

"Everyone will want to win, and whatever happens there will be 17 disappointed players come Saturday night but I look forward to the game and am very much a neutral hoping to sit back, soak up the atmosphere and see a terrific contest.

"I'm a great supporter of the cup, it's a marvellous competition, it's an event steeped in tradition and everybody wants to either play at Wembley or coach there.

"Being fortunate enough to win at Wembley is the kind of thing you dream of, it provides fantastic memories but you need that bit of luck and the cup final is always a special occasion for all concerned.

"If Saints are allowed to play to near full potential they will win but Hull also have the ability to score a lot of points.

"Saints do however have a big advantage in defence. They are strong, determined and their players have bags of experience of this kind of situation from playing in so many big matches.

McRae has no qualms about the appointment of Steve Ganson from St Helens as the cup final referee.

He adds: "I believe it's a restraint of trade not to have allowed this kind of thing to happen until this season. All referees have a very strong professional integrity."

What is your prediction for the game? Have your say.

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