Challenge Cup semi-final predictions: will returning Tigers and Saints inspire them to victory?

It’s that time of the week again, but this time the predictions are a little bit different as it’s Challenge Cup semi-final week.

Hull FC v St Helens

The first game shown live on the BBC will be Hull FC against St Helens. These two sides only met last week when Saints demolished their opponents 34-18. Of course, the different competition will ensure that things should be different this time around.

FC have been dealt the blow of Joe Cator being unavailable after he left the field last week with a calf strain. He is replaced by young fullback Connor Wynne. Meanwhile, Tommy Makinson and Regan Grace are back in contention for St Helens after recovering from respective foot and head injuries. They replace Mark Percival, who misses out with a hamstring issue, and Ben Davies.

Saints certainly exerted their dominance last week, but surely Hull can’t be as bad as they were that day. And, the black-and-whites’ affiliation with the Challenge Cup could see them over the line here.

Hull FC by 4

Castleford v Warrington

Every man and his dog are predicting Warrington to overcome Castleford, and, is there any reason why? Whilst the Wolves have lost just twice all season, the Tigers haven’t won in three games, with a 60-6 home drubbing at the hands Leeds putting the icing on the tragic cake.

Daryl Powell makes four changes after last week’s disappointment, with experienced quartet Niall Evalds, Gareth O’Brien, Adam Milner and Alex Foster returning from injury. They replace Danny Richardson, George Griffin, Greg Eden and Lewis Peachey. Jason Clark is ruled out for Warrington and is set to miss four to five weeks with a calf strain. Outside back Nathan Roebuck also drops out, with Connor Wrench and Ellis Longstaff coming in after returning from loan spells with Newcastle Thunder. Mike Cooper is set to play after missing last week, while Joe Philbin has overcome a hip problem.

Castleford probably won’t play as bad as they did against Leeds all season, but it takes a special kind of coach to be able to motivate a side coming off the back of such a hammering. And, with the way Warrington have been playing, every man and his dog may just be right this time.

Warrington by 8