Warrington drop cup hero Myler for final showdown against Leeds

The 20-year-old former Salford half-back was a try scorer in the Wolves' earlier cup victories over Featherstone, Huddersfield and Catalans Dragons but has made way for Micky Higham in the only change to the side that won the semi-final earlier this month.

Michael Monaghan, Lance Todd Trophy winner as man of the match in last year's 25-16 win over Huddersfield, switches from hooker to scrum-half, with Jon Clarke starting as hooker.

"It was a difficult decision," Smith said at the team's traditional eve-of-final walkabout at Wembley.

"It's not an easy job and it's not a pleasurable job but when you're fit and healthy somebody has got to miss out.

"It's tough on Richard because he's had a terrific year and he's been very good for us.

"He's handled it exceptionally well and showed a lot of maturity. I'm sure he's going to play in plenty of big games and I gave him a lot of reassurance about that."

Front-row forward Mike Cooper was the other unlucky player omitted from Smith's initial 19-man squad.

Leeds prop Kylie Leuluai is confident the Rhinos have the forward power to combat the threat of holders Warrington. The Super League champions will go into their first Wembley final for 11 years with just two specialist props following the loss of Jamie Peacock and Luke Burgess to injury.

Cagey coach Brian McClennan gave no clues to his line-up at yesterday's eve-of-final walkabout - in sharp contrast to his predecessor, Warrington coach Smith, who an hour earlier named his team to the media - and he will not reveal his hand until an hour before kick-off.

"The players have got a good idea," he said. "We had all 19 train today and I'm very pleased with that.

"The ones that take the pitch are what we think suits this game and the game plan we have for Warrington.

"I thought we looked really sharp. I think the team are in a really good place. We're pretty solid with what we're doing."

Leuluai and Ryan Bailey will carry the brunt of the front-row responsibilities in the absence of Peacock, with the likes of back rowers Ian Kirke, Greg Eastwood and Ali Lauitiiti set to share the workload up front.

"Obviously it's a key player that's missing," admitted Leuluai. "JP does a lot of work for us but I think everyone will step up to the plate.

"We've got Ryan Bailey, who's a quality front rower, and now Ian Kirke and Greg Eastwood are playing there and then we've got our other forwards like Ali and Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Everyone has a job to do. I think it will be a good test for both teams."