The Leeds Rhinos are back at Wembley for a third successive season following a stunning 39-28 victory over holders Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
Brian McDermott's men raced into a 16-0 lead only for Wigan to come back in style in what was one of the best matches of the rugby league season to date.
Zak Hardaker's second of the game extended Leeds' advantage after half-time before Kevin Sinfield added a crucial drop-goal and while Josh Charnley scored late on, it was not enough for Wigan.
The Rhinos capitalised on a Sam Tomkins' mistake from Sinfield's up-and-under with Ryan Hall scoring on the left wing with four minutes played.
Sinfield's 40-20 quickly regained field position for the Rhinos and they made it count when Kallum Watkins drew in his marker before sending Ben Jones-Bishop over. Sinfield's conversion made it 12-0.
Things went from bad to worse for Wigan when a knock on from Charnley gifted Leeds possession and Sinfield's quick play the ball, which appeared forward, found Jamie Peacock who offloaded for Zak Hardaker to score.
Wigan hit back. Quick-fire tries from George Carmont and Gareth Hock pulled the holders back to within four points with Tomkins converting both efforts.
Ryan Hall continued the try-fest following an error by Michael McIlorum before Leeds hit the 30-point mark when Jones-Bishop collected Sinfield's kick out wide.
Wigan had the final say before half-time when Ben Flower managed to score under the posts despite Liam Farrell's woeful pass, while Tomkins kicked a penalty on the hooter cutting Leeds' lead to 10 points.
Leeds scored the first try of the second half, although it was not without controversy. McGuire seemed to get a touch on Brett Delaney's pass prior to Hardaker scoring his second of the game.
Wigan responded in style. Tomkins kicked through for O'Loughlin and he skipped around the attempted tackle from Hardaker to score out wide. Tomkins missed with the boot with the ensuing conversion.
Sinfield made it a 13-point game with 64 minutes played when, after capitalising on Wigan's turnover on the half-way line, he slotted over a fine one-pointer.
Leeds spurred an excellent chance to win the match when Burrow broke clear. He opted against finding McGuire with a short pass and picked out Hall who was penalised for a double-movement under pressure from Charnley.
Wigan did not throw in the towel. Charnley finally went over in the corner after Hock's initial break set up excellent field position for the Warriors. Again Tomkins missed from a difficult angle.
Sinfield slotted home a last-minute penalty to extend Leeds' lead, but the game was already won as the champions secured one of the biggest upsets of the season.