Huddersfield Giants have the form and the more settled side going into today’s Carnegie Challenge Cup final, while injuries have forced Warrington Wolves into what may yet prove a series of inspirational gambles for the most even-looking and eagerly awaited final since Castleford beat Hull Kingston Rovers in 1986.

That was the last final not to feature Wigan, St Helens, Leeds or Bradford. In the absence of any of the so-called “big four”, the sport is enjoying wallowing in the romance of two supposedly unfancied finalists. It was in that giddy atmosphere during Friday’s walkabout at Wembley that Tony Smith, the Warrington coach, confirmed the surprise choices of Mick Higham and the little-known Tyrone McCarthy on Warrington’s bench.

Higham, the England hooker, has not played since he ruptured a bicep in May. He also has the distraction of today being the due date for the birth of his second child. His partner, Kate, has her Wembley ticket. “I just hope the crowd don’t set it off,” Higham said. “I’d like two bits of good news, but hopefully winning the cup first.”

McCarthy, 21, an Ireland students international who began training full time with Warrington only this summer, watched their semi-final defeat of Wigan Warriors with friends and made his senior debut the next week. He comes in for only his third appearance, in preference to Paul Rauhihi, the veteran New Zealand prop, who has a sore back.

“He’s the form player and gets out there and has a go. He’s not afraid to put his body on the line,” said Smith, who also raised eyebrows with his choice of Vinnie Anderson at stand-off for the first time this year. Matt King and Chris Hicks have shrugged off injuries to take their place in the back line. In contrast, Huddersfield’s only change from their semi-final defeat of St Helens is Martin Aspinwall’s inclusion among the substitutes for the injured Danny Kirmond.

Nathan Brown, the Huddersfield coach, said: “You don’t really want to be coming into a game like this having to make many changes, but from our point of view we’re settled. We were huge underdogs against St Helens and all I know is we’ve prepared well.

“We’ll do what we do well and rely on all 17 to contribute.”

How they line up

Huddersfield Giants: B Hodgson (captain); L Cudjoe, J Lolesi, P Whatuira, D Hodgson; K Brown, L Robinson; K Mason, S Moore, D Griffin, S Wild, L Fulton, D Faiumu. Interchange: S Lunt, E Crabtree, P Jackson, M Aspinwall.

Warrington Wolves: R Mathers; C Riley, M King, C Bridge, C Hicks; V Anderson L Briers; A Morley (captain), M Monaghan, G Carvell, B Westwood, L Anderson, B Harrison. Interchange: M Cooper, P Johnson, M Higham, T McCarthy.

Referee: S Ganson.

Television: BBC One from 2.10pm (kick-off 2.30pm).