The quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup are here and so are our predictions with bold calls made in the tie of the round between Wakefield Trinity and Wigan Warriors.
Rivals Round saw St Helens stun Wigan Warriors and they also made a mockery of our predictions with a clean sweep of punts backing Wigan Warriors in that one. Will Jackson signed off with six from seven but he’s now replaced in the predictions league by regular contributor Peter Smith of the Yorkshire Evening Post.
There are just four fixtures to pick from this week but they’re still incredibly tough, especially with it being knock-out rugby league. St Helens host Catalans Dragons tonight to kick us off before Saturday’s double header sees holders Hull KR host York Knights, and Warrington Wolves take on Leigh Leopards for the second week in a row.
Wakefield Trinity host Wigan Warriors on Sunday to complete the quarter-finals with that match available to watch live on BBC One.
Below are all our picks for the round, as well as an update on the predictions leaderboard.
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Challenge Cup quarter-final predictions
St Helens v Catalans Dragons – Friday, April 10th – 8pm
Peter Smith: St Helens 24-16 Catalans
Tough one to predict this. Catalans are certainly capable of winning it and Saints’ injuries will boost their chances, but the Challenge Cup means a lot to Paul Rowley’s side and, based largely on home advantage, I think they’ll sneak a fairly narrow victory.
Sam Cook: St Helens 24-22 Catalans
Among the toughest games to predict this week but Saints beaten Catalans on the road already this season, albeit the game was far closer than the wide scoreline suggested. Catalans are also hard to predict but home advantage and the momentum of last week should carry Saints home.
Sam Brocksom: St Helens 16-20 Catalans
My ‘out there’ prediction of the week sees Catalans take the spoils at the Brewdog Stadium. Saints welcome back Alex Walmsley, but I’m still backing an upset win for the Dragons.
Hull KR v York Knights – Saturday, April 11th – 1.30pm
PS: Hull KR 48-6 York
York’s famous win in round one seems like a long time ago. Injuries have left them down to the bare bones and the Robins are starting to show what they are all about, especially at home, so a big win for the holders seems the only logical outcome.
SC: Hull KR 44-6 York
They won in round one but Hull KR certainly had their mind on other matters, namely the World Club Challenge, and the Robins are starting to show the form they displayed in the first 50 minutes of that game. Home advantage goes a long way for the Robins and I can’t see beyond a heavy win for the holders.
SB: Hull KR 40-10 York
KR being at home, York’s injuries and an up-turn in Robins form suggests a big win for the defending Cup champions.
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards – Saturday, April 11th – 5.30pm
PS: Warrington 30-18 Leigh
It might be much closer than rivals round and Leigh overturned a league defeat to beat Wakefield Trinity in the Challenge Cup a week later last season, but Warrington are playing well and, especially with Cai Taylor-Wray back from injury, they’ll probably win it with something to spare.
SC: Warrington 26-16 Leigh
I think Leigh will be much-improved from last week, especially if the bodies named in their 21-man squad actually return to the matchday squad. However, Warrington are in the groove right now and they’ve got a score to settle in the Challenge Cup, having lost in the final the last two years.
SB: Warrington 20-8 Leigh
Both sides are expected to welcome back bodies on Saturday. Cai Taylor-Wray is set to be one of those, and I think he’ll be part of a victorious Wolves side this weekend.
Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors – Sunday, April 12th – 1pm
PS: Wakfield 20-12 Wigan
Wigan need a response after back-to-back defeats, but Wakefield are the team in form – five successive wins – and their defence is looking strong. Wakefield have a good recent home record against Wigan and I expect that to continue.
SC: Wakefield 16-14 Wigan
Wigan are without Ethan Havard and Junior Nsemba is a doubt, whereas Wakefield have a very healthy pack and boast the best defence in Super League too. Trinity are finding ways to win at the moment and Daryl Powell’s side could just sneak this.
SB: Wakefield 26-16 Wigan
Whilst this is also an ‘out there’ prediction, more people are tipping Trinity to beat Wigan, and I think Daryl Powell’s side can reach the last four.
Predictions Leaderboard
1st: Peter Smith– 44
2nd: Sam Cook – 35
3rd: Sam Brocksom – 34
