Challenge Cup semi-final predictions as Wigan Warriors take on St Helens and Huddersfield Giants battle Hull KR

The Challenge Cup semi-finals are upon us this weekend as Wigan Warriors take on St Helens and Huddersfield Giants do battle against Hull KR at Elland Road.

It promises to be a cracking day with the Women’s Challenge Cup Final between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens also taking place prior to Wigan and Saints’ men.

With only four teams left in the competition, a place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at stake for the winners, but just how will the day go?

Wigan Warriors vs St Helens

This promises to be one of the most fiercely fought Wigan-Saints derbies in recent years. There is no love lost between the two sides, but there is a mutual respect and that will be tested to the fullest on Saturday afternoon. Whilst Wigan have almost a full squad to choose from, the same cannot be said of St Helens.

Head coach Kristian Woolf has already revealed that Will Hopoate will not play due to injury whilst the likes of James Bell are still suspended. Woolf will also give late fitness checks to Jonny Lomax and Regan Grace.

That being said, Saints are a champion side and know how to win in almost any case, making the Warriors’ task even harder at a semi-final stage. Wigan, however, are in a buoyant mood following a big win over Warrington Wolves as Saints just scraped by against a stubborn Salford Red Devils outfit.

St Helens by 2

Huddersfield Giants vs Hull KR

Both teams have been a surprise package in 2022 so far. With Huddersfield starting the season like a house on fire and Hull KR now reaping the rewards of shrewd acquisitions by head coach Tony Smith, the two sides are both well-placed to make it all the way to Tottenham.

Huddersfield will, however, have to make do without the likes of Chris Hill and Will Pryce who are both suspended as Rovers will be without talisman Lachlan Coote as well as big forward Albert Vete. Smith will do a late fitness check on Matt Parcell and Matty Storton.

There is little to choose between these two sides in Super League and the same will be true on Saturday, but Jordan Abdull and Rowan Milnes may well be too strong for Theo Fages and Oliver Russell.

Hull KR by 6