The Challenge Cup is coming to an end with just four team’s left competing for a spot at Wembley.
The early rounds of the tournament started in early January where community teams battled out the early stages and were later joined by stronger clubs from the National Conference League, League 1, the Championship and lastly all 12 Super League Clubs.
The annual competition has been held since 1896 and is one of the oldest competitions in Rugby League history.
Two Aussie Coaches squared off in last year’s final, with Adrian Lam’s Leigh Leopards taking on Willie Peters Hull Kingston Rovers in a historic battle which saw Leigh win in Golden Point via a Lachlan Lam field goal.
The Wigan Warriors, Hull KR, Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants remain, and will compete in two matchups at neutral venues this weekend.
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Challenge Cup Semi-Final Tips
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Saturday 18/5/24
10:45pm Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors @ Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster
Both sides faced off in the semi-finals last year which ended in dramatic fashion when the now Penrith Panthers half-back Brad Schneider, kicked the game winning field goal in Golden Point in just his second game for the club.
Hull KR went on to lose in similar fashion at Wembley when Lachlam Lam hit a field goal in Golden Point – so the desire will be there to redeem themselves this year.
For Wigan, last season’s Challenge Cup was the only bit of silverware missing from their trophy cabinet, after they won the League Leaders shield, Super League and World Club Challenge – they’ll be hungry to add the cup this year.
Form-wise, both clubs are playing good footy, but Wigan was outstanding last weekend against Huddersfield over the weekend.
Bevan French is a one-man highlight reel and is playing the best footy of his career.
But Hull KR have shown they can perform on the big stage and their young star Mikey Lewis is one of those players that can single-handedly, turn the game on its head.
This will be a tight one and with 8.5 points on offer I think the red and whites get the nod.
Betting tip: Hull KR +8.5 @ $1.83
Wigan by 4
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Monday 20/5/24
12:15am Huddersfield Giants vs Warrington Wolves @ Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens
These two sides didn’t make it to the semi’s last year with Warrington being eliminated the week before by Wigan.
Both sides are improved this year and have started the Super League season off strong.
Huddersfield are coming off a bad loss to the reigning premiers who chalked up 48 points last weekend.
Across the park, Warrington is continuing to impress under Sam Burgess in his rookie coaching year, beating Hull KR last weekend 20 points to 8.
Their season hasn’t been derailed after losing their young half-back Leon Hayes for the year, with Josh Drinkwater steering the ship alongside George Williams.
Huddersfield have been much better this season but have a knack for being inconsistent against the top sides.
With that in mind, it’s hard to see past the Wire this weekend, in a match that is only just up the road from their home ground so fans won’t need to travel far to get behind the Wolves.
Betting tip: Warrington -5.5 @ $1.72
Warrington by 12.
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