Challenge Cup

Challenge Cup Draw: Massive ties drawn for semi-finals

by
Sam Cook
April 14, 2024

There have already been four women’s and three brilliant men’s Challenge Cup quarter-finals decided with the fourth one in progress right now but the draw has taken place for the semi-finals and created some mouth-watering ties.

The draw was made during the half-time break in the ongoing game between St Helens and Warrington Wolves with the Red Vee currently trailing 6-7 with a George Williams drop goal being all that separates the sides.

Warrington struck first through Josh Thewlis before the winger narrowly missed the conversion. Saints hit back through Konrad Hurrell and in the dying seconds of the half skipper George Williams helped make it 7-6.

St Helens and Warrington Wolves are aiming to join Hull KR, Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors in the semi-finals of the competition, whilst the women’s tournament has seen St Helens, Wigan Warriors, Leeds Rhinos and York Valkyrie all progress.

That’s a repeat of the final four from the 2023 edition of the women’s Challenge Cup, whilst for the men both Hull KR and Wigan Warriors have repeated their semi-final feat, the two teams doing battle at Headingley in a dramatic game in 2023.

KR kicked the weekend off and progressed yesterday by knocking out holders Leigh Leopards in a repeat of last year’s final before Huddersfield Giants landed a shock win over Catalans leaving Steve McNamara “humiliated”.

Earlier today Wigan saw off an injury-riddled Castleford as they handed out a 60-6 hammering and the final game currently hangs in the balance.

As for the women’s Challenge Cup, the games were a lot less close with wide margins of victory for each of the victors with last year’s winners St Helens landing a 74-0 win, the losing finalists Leeds Rhinos a 70-10 win, Wigan Warriors 44-4 and York Valkyrie won earlier today by a score of 74-0.

With seven of the names confirmed in the hat and one set to be decided in the next 40 minutes of rugby, the draw has now been made.