Challenge Cup round four round up as quarter-final draw details and ball numbers confirmed

The last 16 of the Challenge Cup has concluded, and were are now down to eight teams left in the competition, meaning one of those sides will be lifting the trophy at Wembley on May 30.

With games being played on Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, 13 Super League sides, plus three from the Championship, battled it out for a spot in the quarter finals, and there were some big names to drop out of the competition.

The action started live on the BBC, with Wakefield Trinity hosting Leeds Rhinos on the iPlayer, though it’s fair to say the tie didn’t go as planned. A power outage six minutes into the contest halted proceedings for around 25 minutes, before the game eventually got underway again.

Trinity would produce their best performance of the season so far to knock out Brad Arthur’s side, as Leeds’ Challenge Cup curse continues. The club have not reached beaten a Super League side in the competition since their Wembley win over Salford Red Devils in 2020. Jack Sinfield and Harvey Smith were sublime in that one as Wakefield secured a 24-14 victory.

At the same time, Wigan proved to be just as clinical despite not having Bevan French or Jai Field in the side, and scored five tries to see off Bradford Bulls. Outside back Dayon Sambou scored on debut with one of his first touches of the game, whilst Zach Eckersley also added to his impressive season total.

Moving on to Saturday, York Knights faced Championship side Keighley at home, and took home a hefty win to progress through. Liam Harris and King Vuniyayawa both crossed twice as Mark Applegarth’s side secured a 56-10 win.

Warrington Wolves saw off Goole Vikings with relative ease, as 11 different try scorers helped them to a 78-10 victory. Half-back Ewan Irwin slotted 13/13 conversions becoming only the fourth player in the club’s history to kick that many goals in a single match, and with a try as well, became only the 11th player to score 30 or more points in a match.

Defending champions Hull KR saw off Huddersfield Giants with a 52-12 win, as Mikey Lewis crossed for a double and Tom Whitehead, who signed from Warrington in the off-season, made his first competitive start for the club in place of James Batchelor.

Hull FC were another top side who bowed out of the competition, as they were defeated 16-6 by Leigh Leopards. John Cartwright’s side were kept scoreless in the second half, with Cade Cust scoring the club’s only try.

Finally, there were wins for both St Helens and Catalans Dragons, with the Saints seeing off Castleford Tigers and Catalans battering Championship Oldham. The Red Vee will be hoping that injuries to Jake Burns and Daryl Clark (both HIA) are not too serious, given that is both of their hookers now sidelined for next week at least.

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Challenge Cup Quarter-Final details

When is the draw for the QF?

The draw for the last eight will take place on Tuesday 17 March at around 10:20am. It will be conducted live on BBC One, as part of the programme ‘Morning Live’. Hosts Gethin Jones and Helen Skelton will conduct the draw.

When with the QF’s take place?

Quarter-Final ties will take place on the weekend of April 11-12.

The BBC are expected to broadcast two of the four ties, though any coverage of the QF ties is yet to be confirmed.

What are the ball numbers for the draw? 

1. Catalans Dragons
2. Hull KR
3. Leigh Leopards
4. St Helens
5. Wakefield Trinity
6. Warrington Wolves
7. Wigan Warriors
8. York Knights