NOBODY is giving Warrington Wolves a chance in Saturday’s Challenge Cup Final.

If the bookmakers and pundits are to be believed, they may as well hand St Helens the trophy now.

In fairness, those predictions have only been made based upon the evidence in front of our eyes.

Preparations for their Wembley date could hardly have been more hindered – the team are in dire form and they have spent the past fortnight sweating on the fitness of several star players, including their marquee stand-off.

Cast your eyes down the road and things could not have gone better as Saints’ key men have spent that time relaxing and recharging, a luxury they have earned via their dominant league campaign.

Make no mistake about it, The Wire will step onto the hallowed turf as rank outsiders.

Having said that, you only have to look back 12 months to see what that underdog spirit can achieve on this great stage if harnessed properly.

Warrington Guardian:

Catalans were underdogs going into last year's Challenge Cup Final against The Wire. Picture by Mike Boden

All the talk in the build-up has been about form going out of the window and that anything can happen in a cup final, but we need to see it in action.

With that in mind, this is our message to the Wire squad.

When you pull on your shirts, look down at the badge on your chests and think about what it represents.

Think of the wolf – hunting as packs, fighting above its weight and being ruthless enough to strike when the time comes.

More importantly though, think of the word “Warrington.”

To borrow a line from poet Tony Walsh – some of you were born here, some drawn here, but you all call it home.

There are 200,000 people who call it home, too. Whether they are at Wembley or watching in pubs and living rooms, the vast majority will be hanging on your every action.

There is no force greater for bringing this community together than the success of the rugby league team it loves so dearly.

You will have heard tales of tens of thousands of people pouring onto the streets to welcome home their heroes after cup wins in 2009, 2010 and 2012. Think about how good that would feel.

Warrington Guardian:

Unforgettable scenes as The Wire brought home the Challenge Cup in 2009

Relish that underdog tag and be brave enough to play with the freedom it brings.

Fight for the honour of our town and leave everything on the field. If you do that, everyone you represent will be proud whatever the result.

All of them are behind you every step of the way, and so are we.

Write yourselves into the history of our little corner of the world.

We are Warrington. You are Warrington. Our time is now.