IF any rugby league neutrals were asked which two teams would provide the best Challenge Cup Final, Hull FC and Warrington would probably be the two most popular picks.

That in itself is testament to the rise of Lee Radford’s Black and Whites side, who will be hoping to end an ignominious record of never having won at Wembley.

Since being locked out of the dressing room by his own players following March’s 46-6 hammering at Widnes, Radford has led the rejuvenation of the club as a whole.

Hull have always been seen as perennial underachievers despite often impressing on the recruitment side, but this year they have found a formula for success.

Their pack, containing the revitalised Scott Taylor and the powerful but clever Liam Watts, is formidable on its day and lays a platform for Marc Sneyd, supported by Carlos Tuimavave, to dominate with a metronomic kicking game.

Danny Houghton can torment teams who allow his forwards’ quick ball at the ruck, while Gareth Ellis seems to get better with age.

Add to that a back line that contains home-grown speedster Jamie Shaul at full-back, the wily veteran Kirk Yeaman and NRL imports such as Mahe Fonua, Steve Michaels and Fetuli Talanoa and the result is a team geared for domination.

In their past two Super 8s wins against Catalans Dragons and Widnes Vikings they have not conceded a single point.