Challenge Cup predictions: Holders to lose, Warrington to stun St Helens

The Challenge Cup returns with quarter-final action this Weekend, and at this stage, all teams will feel they have a big chance of going all the way.

Everyone loves to make a prediction of what might unfold this Weekend in the Challenge Cup so we’ve had a go ourselves and with the quarter-finals primed, it means the games are set to be full of surprises and twists, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

The games will see Catalans Dragons taking on Huddersfield Giants, Castleford Tigers welcoming the favourites Wigan Warriors, St Helens against Warrington Wolves and a repeat of last year’s final, Hull KR, taking on the reigning champions Leigh Leopards.

Challenge Cup Quarter-Final Predictions

Hull KR vs Leigh Leopards

Hull KR hosts defending champions Leigh at the Sewell Group Craven Park. A repeat of last year’s final at Wembley which saw Leigh winning it with a golden point kick from Lachlan Lam.

The Robins have been on a winning streak, triumphing in five of their last seven games in the Super League. They are now poised to avenge their previous loss against a struggling Leigh Leopards last season in the final.

It’s been a disappointing season so far for Leigh, with only one win in the Super League this season and Hull KR will look to compound that misery of Leigh’s with a resounding win at home.

Verdict: Hull KR 32-10 Leigh Leopards

Catalans Dragons vs Huddersfield Giants

Dark horses Catalans Dragons will face Huddersfield Giants at home in a tie that could go either way with the Dragons being in good form lately. They clinched a famous win last week in the Super League against St Helens and currently sit top of the Super League with twelve points.

Huddersfield also won against a poor Hull FC side. Huddersfield sits inside the play-off places and have had a decent season with new signing Adam Swift starring for them.

Catalan Dragons’ attacking front should be just too much for Huddersfield although they will be without star winger Tom Johnstone following his HIA against Saints, but they should still have the quality to make it to the Semi-finals of the Challenge Cup once again.

Verdict: Catalans Dragons 24-12 Huddersfield Giants

Castleford Tigers vs Wigan Warriors

The second half of the quarter-final stage will take place on Sunday, with Castleford Tigers taking on Wigan Warriors at the Jungle.

Castleford Tigers come into this game with a big win against Salford last week in the Super League. They came from behind to win 36-24, their first win in the Super League this season.

Previously, the Tigers got their first win of the season in this competition, beating Batley Bulldogs 28-14 away from home but their run is expected to end against Super League champions Wigan.

Wigan Warriors are favourites to win the Challenge Cup this season after getting beat in the semi-final against Hull KR last year. The Warriors looked to learn from their mistake and go all the way.

Despite Castleford being full of confidence after their win against Salford, Wigan’s arsenal should be too much for the Tigers in the end and should see them win the game comfortably.

Verdict: Castleford Tigers 6-42 Wigan Warriors

St Helens vs Warrington Wolves

The last game of the Weekend sees St Helens taking on Warrington Wolves, which could result in a potential upset at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

If you’re a Saints fan this season, it’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. Beating rivals Wigan on Rivals Weekend, but only to lose a couple of key players through injury, resulting in a bad defeat against Catalans Dragons the following Weekend.

As for Warrington, they have looked really good this season. Currently, they are second and above St Helens on points difference. The Wolves come into this game with lots of confidence and an upset may be on the cards with Sam Burgess looking to continue his impressive start with the Wolves.

Verdict: St Helens 10-12 Warrington Wolves