Captain Cunningham has played in seven Challenge Cup finals

Challenge Cup holders St Helens will shun the traditional eve-of-final walkabout at Wembley.

Coach Daniel Anderson made the decision after taking a straw poll of his squad ahead of Saturday's final against Hull.

But the Rugby Football League have criticised Saints' decision to break with a 40-year-old tradition.

"We can understand their reason but it is disappointing because it is an opportunity to raise the profile of the game nationally," a spokesman said.

Hull will still make their tour of the stadium in mid morning, but Saints, winners of the last two Challenge Cup finals, will not take up their lunchtime slot, with Anderson suggesting it would be a waste of their time.

"With all due respect, if there is a walkabout group, it will be very small," he said.

606: DEBATE Should Saints go on the walkabout?

Captain Keiron Cunningham backed the decision, saying: "It's our choice - you can't tell me going to a walkabout at Wembley is going to make you [bond] as a group of players.

"We have been fortunate to play there last year and it's the same circumstances. I can't see it being beneficial to the team."

Full-back Paul Wellens concurred, adding: "It will probably benefit the players to get away from it the day before the game and just relax their minds so they are not constantly thinking about the game.

"I think a lot of the guys would prefer to stay at the hotel and put their feet up."