The Challenge Cup returns this week, and we’ve reached the semi-final stage of the competition, meaning that there’s plenty of Rugby League on TV to watch this weekend.
Eight teams are competing for a spot at Wembley Stadium.
First up in the men’s competition is Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors at the Eco-Power Stadium in Doncaster.
To reach this stage, the Robins breezed past both Salford Red Devils and Leigh Leopards at Craven Park, while the Warriors demolished Sheffield Eagles at home before putting Castleford Tigers to the sword at The Jungle.
The sides come into this game with differing fortunes: KR come into this off the back of a disappointing defeat to Warrington Wolves, while Wigan, despite Liam Byrne being sin-binned for the very first tackle of the game, beat Huddersfield Giants 48-6. Interestingly though, the two sides played each other in April with Hull KR running out as 26-10 victors.
The other semi-final sees the other teams from KR and Wigan’s recent Super League games in action, as Huddersfield Giants face Warrington Wolves at The Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens.
Huddersfield shocked Catalans Dragons to win 34-6 in the last round, while Warrington Wolves beat St Helens 31-8.
Credit: Imago Images
In the women’s competition, St Helens face York Valkyrie in a heavyweight clash of the women’s game.
It’s also a replay of the 2021 final, which was the first of Saints’ run of three Challenge Cup wins in a row.
Elsewhere, Wigan Warriors play the losing finalists of the last two competitions, Leeds Rhinos.
These two sides are the top two in the league currently, having won all three of their games this season with the Rhinos landing an impressive win over York Valkyrie this past weekend.
How to watch Rugby League on TV this week as BBC show four epic fixtures
Credit: Imago Images
St Helens vs York Valkyrie in the Women’s Challenge Cup is on the BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer at 11:15am on Saturday.
Later, at 1:45pm, Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors in the Men’s Challenge Cup will be free-to-air on a mainstream channel, as it’s on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
On Sunday, the women’s fixture of Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos kicks things off, and will be on the BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer at 12:30pm.
Finally, at 3:15pm, the final game sees Huddersfield Giants vs Warrington Wolves in the men’s competition, which will be on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
Saturday 18th May
St Helens vs York Valkyrie Women – 11:15am, BBC Red Button / BBC iPlayer
Hull KR vs Wigan Warriors Men – 1:45pm, BBC One / BBC iPlayer
Sunday 19th May
Wigan Warriors vs Leeds Rhinos Women – 12:30pm, BBC Red Button / BBC iPlayer
Huddersfield Giants vs Warrington Wolves Men – B3:15pm, BC One / BBC iPlayer
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