ICEMAN Kevin Sinfield reckons Wigan are justified favourites to prevent Leeds landing the Challenge Cup for the first time since 1999.

Bookies Betfred have Wigan at 1-4 with the Rhinos, who have lost four finals since the record 52-16 romp over London Broncos 12 years ago, at 11-4.

Leeds skipper Sinfield sealed Leeds’ Wembley spot with an extra time penalty in the 10-8 semi final win over Castleford.

Sinfield had earlier levelled the scores with a touchline conversion to Kallum Watkins’ 73^rd minute try.

But he admitted: “We were fortunate to win and will need a big improvement on that performance to beat Wigan.”

It’s already been quite a season for Sinfield who has smashed Lewis Jones’ club record points tally of 2,920 and also become the top scorer in Super League history.

Sinfield, 30, has won every honour in the game in his 15 year career at Leeds – except the Challenge Cup!

He’s been on the losing side three times against Bradford in 2003, Hull in 2005 – despite winning the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match – and Warrington last year,

The 30-6 drubbing by Warrington still rankles Sinfield who says: “What happened last year was very embarrassing. We let a lot of people down, including ourselves.

“We under-performed last time and were beaten by a very good side. Hopefully we can do ourselves justice on Saturday.

“The majority of the group is the same. It’s a new year and an opportunity to play against currently the best side in the competition.”

Kiwi Brian McClennan was in charge 12 months ago but Brian McDermott is now at the helm.

McDermott won the cup with Bradford against Leeds in 2000 but played in three losing finals for the Bulls against St Helens in 1996, 1997 and 2001.

Big Mac knows the size of the task facing Leeds and says: “Wigan are a strong team, fit and defend well. We will have to be pretty good to do the job at Wembley.”

RHINOS ROUTE TO WEMBLEY

4^th rd – Crusaders H W 30-20

5^th rd – Harlequins H W 40-20

QF – Hull A W 38-22

SF – Castleford at Doncaster W 10-8