The Challenge Cup competition is down to it’s last four teams, and with just 80 minutes separating all four sides from a place at Wembley, it’s fair to say any of the four could lift the trophy as it stands.
The semi-finals will take place this week, with Willie Peters’ Hull KR coming up against Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves in a re-match of last year’s final.
Both sides go into the semi’s on the back of some good form, more so the Robins who are currently on a six-match win streak.
That game will form the second semi-final, and will be held at Doncaster’s Eco-Power Stadium in a double header with Leeds Rhinos Women v St Helens Women.
The first semi puts together one of the biggest and best derbies in the sport, as Wigan Warriors look for revenge on St Helens after their Good Friday defeat a month ago.
Wigan almost had that game won, but a late surge from the Red Vee, including two tries from debutant Bill Leyland, gave Paul Rowley’s side a 34-24 victory.
The Warriors will welcome back Sam Walters and Harry Smith after their respective three match bans, whilst Saints will be without winger Kyle Feldt, who failed a HIA in Friday’s win over York Knights.
Of course, form doesn’t matter in the Challenge Cup, and the knockout competition will no doubt still throw up plenty of surprises yet, but who are the favourites at this stage?
Challenge Cup odds revealed ahead of stacked semi-finals
According to bookmakers Betfred, the team that are, on paper, out of form the most are the favourites to lift the trophy.
Wigan, who got their first win in five matches against Bradford, are 21-time Cup winners, and have an abundance of experience when it comes to semi-finals and finals.
They have been priced at 13/8 to win the trophy, as Matt Peet’s men look for silverware for the first time since the 2024 Grand Final.
Second favourites, but not by much, are defending champions Hull KR, who will be looking to continue their success of 2025 after already picking up the World Club Challenge this season.
The Robins are labelled at 7/4, with the likes of Mikey Lewis and Tyrone May expected to have a big influence on whether they retain the prestigious trophy.
St Helens are third favourites, with a price of 9/2. A Challenge Cup win would be the first major piece of silverware in Rowley’s career, and with the way they have found different ways to win in 2026 you would be foolish to count them out.
Warrington Wolves have been given the longest odds of 5/1. Burgess will be hoping it’s third time lucky at Wembley, after being beaten finalists for the past two seasons.
Challenge Cup Final winner odds in full:
*Odds taken from Betfred and are correct at the time of writing
Wigan Warriors – 13/8
Hull KR – 7/4
St Helens – 9/2
Warrington Wolves – 5/1
