BULLS boss Jimmy Lowes believes Leeds will finally end their long wait for Challenge Cup glory when they take on Castleford in today's Wembley final.

The Rhinos have not lifted rugby league's famous old trophy since stuffing London Broncos 52-16 in 1999.

They have since lost six finals – including defeats to the Bulls in 2000 and 2003 and three of the last four.

Yet Lowes, who was a losing finalist for Leeds in 1994 and 1995 and a two-time winner with Bradford, believes Brian McDermott's men are now set to prevail.

"It'll be a really good final," predicted Lowes.

"Cas have played so well this year based on a lot of enthusiasm and they have some really good players too.

"It's going to be interesting but I do think Leeds will nick it, to be honest.

"They have got a great big-game mentality and this is a really big game, so there is a different mentality which goes with that and some teams can be a bag of nerves.

"Cas haven't been in a Challenge Cup final since 1992 but I know Daryl (Powell) has played in numerous finals and will do his best to calm the boys down.

"But it does affect you and it will be the first big final for a lot of the Cas boys at Wembley.

"It'll be a packed house and there could be a lot of nerves flying about, while Leeds have played in so many big games and are a stable team, so they might just edge it.

"Most of the Leeds team have played in numerous Challenge Cup finals and Grand Finals, so it's not actually about a difference in quality, it's more to do with the experience. The finals come down to the big play at the right time.

"You don't get many opportunities and what Leeds have been good at in Grand Finals at least is taking those opportunities.

"They haven't quite managed to do that in Challenge Cup finals yet but I believe their big-game experience could prove the difference today."

Lowes tasted Challenge Cup final defeat at the hands of St Helens in 1997.

But he savoured the sweet taste of victory over Leeds in 2000 and 2003, saying: "I just loved being involved in Challenge Cup finals, win or lose.

"You're disappointed at the time if you lose but to sit back in a few years' time and say 'I played in that final and that one' are all great experiences and really good memories, every one of them. They are all special."