Cockermouth-born rugby league star Shaun Lunt has shrugged off the underdog label ahead of Hull KR's Challenge Cup final fixture against Leeds Rhinos tomorrow.

Former Workington Town star Lunt is currently on a season-long loan with Hull KR and is preparing for his third appearance at Wembley Stadium.

Leeds go into the fixture as firm favourites after winning last year, breaking their 14-year-long duck which saw them lose in six finals between 2000 and 2012.

“There always has to be an underdog,” Lunt said.

“But I think it’s more for the fans and the media to look at that side of things.

“Rugby league is a funny old game and form goes out the window.

“It’s not like when you play a team in the league and get another chance later in the year.

“It’s a one-off game and that’s the beauty of the Challenge Cup. Leeds are the favourites, and rightly so, their form speaks for itself.

“They have been smashing people left, right and centre but we have beaten some very tough opponents to get to the final. We are not worried.

Lunt is no stranger to playing in the Challenge Cup final and, if selected, he will make his third appearance at Wembley Stadium.

As well as Lunt, only Graeme Horne and Tyrone McCarthy have played in Challenge Cup finals for a total of five appearance between the trio.

Leeds, on the other hand, have a combined 49 Challenge Cup final appearances between members of their squad.

“You can have all the experience in the world but, as we’ve seen, Leeds have only won one of the last seven finals they have been in,” Lunt added.

“Preparations for myself have been a bit different this time round.

“I’ve got a family now and I don’t really have time to think about rugby because I’m busy with them.

“But I love playing the game and I love the excitement surrounding weekends like these.”