Challenge Cup final: Tyrone McCarthy will settle for 1-0 Hull KR win
Wednesday 26 August 2015 14:03, UK
Hull KR captain Tyrone McCarthy says he will settle for a 1-0 win over Leeds in Saturday's Challenge Cup final at Wembley.
The Robins are averaging just under 25 points a game this year despite finishing outside Super League's top eight and have had four players in the top-10 try-scoring list for most of the season.
But McCarthy reckons a change of tactics and a more cautious approach may be needed against the Rhinos as Rovers look to end a 35-year wait to get their hands on the trophy for a second time.
"Leeds are a quality side who like to throw the ball around and, like us, they've got some special players who can score tries out of nowhere," he said.
"That's why we need to have a lot of composure this week. We like to throw the ball around a bit but I think it's a big weekend for how we play out our sets, our kicking game and where we turn the ball over.
"They are two exciting teams who like to score points and I'm sure the neutrals are excited about it but we're hoping that there's not too many points getting thrown about. We'll settle for a 1-0 win if that's what it takes."
Leeds are the 2/9 favourites to win the match with Sky Bet, but Hull KR defied the odds to beat Wigan and Warrington on their way to the final and McCarthy, skippering the side in the absence of the injured Terry Campese, says they are happy in the role of underdogs.
"The cup has been our shining light throughout the season," he said. "When we've been playing inconsistently, it has popped up at the right time and we've been able to lift ourselves for the games.
"The underdog tag is something we've probably had from game one of the season. It's something we like and we do take up as a challenge. We know Leeds are a quality team and we need to be at our best to beat them on the day."
McCarthy, who won the Cup twice with Warrington before heading off for a stint in Australia with Northern Pride, is one of only three Rovers players with previous Cup final experience.
We're hoping that there's not too many points getting thrown about. We'll settle for a 1-0 win if that's what it takes.
"Obviously some lads won't have a clue what's going to be happening this week, so I'll give them a heads-up," he said.
"When I got there with Warrington the first time, it was similar in that it was about 20 or 30 years since they'd won the cup or been to Wembley.
"There was a real excitement in the camp and I've got the same feeling this week. Hopefully, we can follow suit and get the win."
