Challenge Cup Final battles: Where the game will be won including Hull KR enforcer and Warrington Wolves’ spark

The Challenge Cup Final is upon us and with key battles all over the pitch, we’ve picked out five where the game will be won or lost.

Hull KR are heavy favourites to end their trophy drought with Willie Peters’ side backed to bring silverware back to East Hull for the first time since 1985.

As for Warrington Wolves, they’re massive 3/1 underdogs to claim the trophy that they last won in 2019, when they were also 3/1 outsiders. That could be an omen for Sam Burgess’ side, as could the fact that no side has lost consecutive finals since Leeds Rhinos, who lost three on the spin from 2010 to 2012.

Wire had lost in 2018 before their 2019 victory as well, another quirk of Challenge Cup history that could play in their favour but ultimately the game will be won on the field.

As such, we’ve picked out five key battles to watch out for in this year’s Challenge Cup Final.

Where will the 2025 Challenge Cup Final be won?

Territory battle

Certain battles are present in every game but the territory battle looks set to be even more important here, given how many expect the game to go. Hull KR are fast starters and even stronger finishers and that strong finish is typically the result of them putting in the hard yards early.

One way to stop that is to try and either win or at least claw back some territory and with Warrington having the best kicker in the game in Marc Sneyd, they’ve got a chance. His long kicking game will be pivotal in turning Hull KR around and helping Warrington out of their own territory.

More so, when they get that territory, Wire will look to him to force the Robins in goal and earn repeat sets. If he doesn’t bring his kicking boots, you’d expect a very long day for Sam Burgess’ side.

Ruck speed

Like territory, ruck speed is a battle in every game but in games where the odds are stacked against one side it becomes even more important. The game cannot get too quick otherwise you’d imagine Warrington will get blitzed, something we’ve seen many times in 2025 with Hull KR.

A slower ruck suits Warrington who will likely default to a physical playstyle with five strong carries and a booming kick. If Hull KR get that ruck speed going then Jez Litten is a danger out of dummy-half and Warrington will quickly find themselves going backwards.

Matt Dufty v Mikey Lewis

Mikey Lewis is the current Man of Steel but Matt Dufty was among the final three in 2024 and whilst he’s not been as sharp in 2025, he’s still got gamebreaking speed. They might play different positions but these two are very similar in how they can flip games on their head, but also get exposed.

Lewis has improved as a defender but if you think back to Bevan French’s try in the 2024 Grand Final, it was the Man of Steel whose inside shoulder he broke free from. Both Dufty and Lewis love to attack inside shoulders and it could well be that we see each man targeting the other.

They’re in the spotlight to make game-winning plays but it could just be that whoever defends better on the day proves to be the difference.

Ben Currie v Elliot Minchella

Much will be made of the battle in the halves but the one at loose forward is more interesting. Ball-playing 13s are having a revival and these two are part of it with Currie utilised in that role a lot lately, having also played in the centres, halves and his natural second-row gig this year.

Minchella has been at 13 more regularly and he’s key in how Hull KR attack but also their defence, leading the way for tackles for the Robins this year. He bagged his first try of the year against St Helens last week and set up Jez Litten’s here two years ago.

Paul Vaughan v Jared Waerea-Hargreaves

This pair are among the tone-setters in this game with the veteran overseas props having played at the highest level. Vaughan was a State of Origin winner whilst JWH made over 300 NRL appearances and was among the most-feared in the competition for over a decade.

Vaughan has hinted at a new deal whilst JWH will hang up the boots at the end of the year but both are desperate to cement their legacies in England. Vaughan’s semi-final performance was his best yet in a Warrington shirt, dominant and powerful from the front. JWH has had two games off and will be keen to make his mark. Stepping right up to the line but not over it will be the battle for this pair.

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— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) June 5, 2025