Bad news for Wigan Warriors ahead of Challenge Cup semi-final

This weekend the home of Leeds Rhinos, the famous Headingley Stadium will host Wigan Warriors and Hull KR in a huge semi-final.

One of the most exciting Challenge Cup semi-finals we have seen for years.

These two sides have already served up thrilling contests in 2023. In the opening game of the season Hull KR stunned the Warriors before Wigan returned the favour with a golden point win over the Robins that was won by a brilliant Liam Farrell try after Abbas Miski’s dramatic last play try had sent the game to golden point.

The semi-final has huge meaning for both clubs. Wigan are chasing a record 21st Challenge Cup and a second in a row after beating Huddersfield Giants in the 2022 decider at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium.

Hull KR meanwhile are hoping to replicate the heroics of the 2015 semi-final against Warrington Wolves at Headingley to right the wrongs of the 2015 final against Leeds.

Matt Peet has now named his 21-man squad for Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final.

Peet has made one change to his 21-man squad for Sunday as Willie Isa is named in the squad for the first time since a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds Rhinos in Round 12 as Iain Thornley drops out.

📋 𝙎𝙌𝙐𝘼𝘿 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎

Matt Peet has named his 21-man squad for Sunday's @TheChallengeCup Semi-Final clash against @hullkrofficial at Headingley Stadium!

🗞 Read more 👉 https://t.co/PPmIGuZ0WN#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/PQlfDKXNnn

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 21, 2023

As for Hull KR they are without fullback Jack Walker with the former Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC star cup tied with Bradford Bulls.

This leaves a choice between Mikey Lewis and Ethan Ryan at fullback with Lewis’ return a huge boost for the Robins and bad news for Wigan.

That is also true of star man Elliot Minchella’s potential return and the fact Ryan Hall is set to defy the odds and play as he is named.

Kane Linnett is also back for the Robins after his head knock.

Great news for the Robins but bad news for the Warriors ahead of Sunday’s huge semi-final.

There is a choice to be made in the spine with Brad Schneider, Rowan Milnes and Mikey Lewis all options.

Your Semi Final 21 is in! 💪#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/LNEa8f72qF

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) July 21, 2023

The game is set take place on Sunday at 5pm with coverage on BBC Sport.

It is sure to be one of the games of the season.