Jonathan Davies: A classic in store: Leeds spirit v Noble art

If the semi-finals are anything to go by, the Challenge Cup final at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday will be a cracking match, and I hope it will help to lift the game's profile to the level it deserves.

Perhaps it is because of the way its season runs these days that rugby league fails to receive its due recognition – it is certainly not the fault of the quality and excitement they are producing. The Leeds-St Helens semi-final last weekend was one of the finest games of rugby, in either code, that I have seen in my life. I have often said that they are two distinct games and that it is hard to compare one with the other. Many others who have played both games agree with that view. But in those areas you can measure – handling, passing, running and movement – league usually produces far more eye-catching action, and Leeds' win showed that perfectly.

Apart from the thrilling ebb and flow, the game kept us in suspense right up until the end of extra time. St Helens looked to have won it in normal time, but young Danny McGuire scored a try. Kevin Sinfield had an extremely difficult conversion from the touchline to save the game and, under the pressure, it was a phenomenal kick.

And he hasn't even been their regular first kicker. Dave Furner usually takes them but has been suffering with a knee niggle. But it hasn't stopped Furner joining Gary Connolly in contributing so much experience to a squad packed with young talent such as Mark Calderwood, Sinfield and McGuire.

But they mustn't think that getting to the final is enough. Leeds have been underachieving for a decade or more, and they have a great chance this season to establish a place at the top.

On Saturday they face a big and powerful Bradford side who will start as favourites. But I believe that Leeds have become such a well-balanced team that they can handle such disadvantages.

After all, St Helens were the more skilful team, but Leeds didn't allow that to faze them. It's all down to the coaches, Malcolm O'Reilly and Daryl Powell, who have created a team who work exceptionally hard for each other.

There is no one player making them tick, but a dressing-roomful. I've been with them a few times lately and I am very impressed with their spirit and their optimistic approach.

Leeds have developed the habit of starting the season well and then fading, but I feel that this is the start of a new dynasty, and the Cup will give them such a boost to their momentum.

However, they couldn't ask for more formidable opponents. Bradford are the best-supported club in the country and have an excellent coach in the former Great Britain hooker Brian Noble.

Nothing against our Australian friends, but it is good to have British coaches in the hot seats at Cardiff. Noble is a great advert for the game. He speaks his mind and gets his team playing an attractive style of rugby league. They have a massive pack of forwards and an even bigger bunch of backs, centred around Robbie Paul and Paul Deacon. Their wingers, Tevita Vaikona and Lesley Vainikolo, are fearsome.

Bradford have come up through the rounds very confidently, and they will be heartened by the memory of beating Leeds 24-18 in the final three years ago. But it is a different Leeds they are facing this time, a sidehighly capable of causing an upset. It is a really difficult game to call. They only thing we can be sure about is that it will be a very physical game.

They are closing the roof at the Millennium Stadium, so we can expect a good, fast surface and a fantastic atmosphere. The fans are assured of a good time, because there is no place like the centre of Cardiff for supporters to enjoy the pre-match build-up. As for the result, I am sitting on the fence.