Challenge Cup semi-final predictions with opinion split on final line-up

This weekend sees the semi-final stage of the Challenge Cup take place. With a chance of playing at Wembley up for grabs, which two sides will come out on top and start planning their trip to London?

Saturday’s game will feature Hull KR and Catalans Dragons at the LNER Community Stadium in York in front of a sell-out crowd. Rovers are still seating at the top of the Super League charts, having only lost once in 2025. The Dragons started 2025 off slowly but an unbeaten April saw them finally start to climb the table. Last weekend’s Magic Weekend loss to Leigh means they’re on the brink of the top six in the league.

Sunday’s semi-final sees Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards face off at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium. The Wolves have been hit and miss so far this season and without key players for the foreseeable future, it’s looking like an uphill battle for Sam Burgess’ side. The Leopards have climbed their way up to third in the Super League table with four wins on the bounce and with a string of good performances in recent weeks, could they make their way back to Wembley?

With the Challenge Cup semi-finals coming up, our writers have given their predictions as to who will be victorious this weekend.

Hull KR v Catalans Dragons

Will Jackson: Rovers didn’t need to get out of first gear last weekend to get the win, but it’s clear that Catalans, who are in decent form, will provide much more of a test for Willie Peters’ side. Having said that, I expect KR to book their spot at Wembley without breaking too much of a sweat in York. They’ll be backed by thousands of travelling supporters, they’ll be bringing four key men back into the fold and it’s hard to make a case for the Dragons progressing. They’ll have tricks up their sleeve, I’m sure of it, but Rovers should beat them in every area of the field.

Prediction: Hull KR 32-8 Catalans Dragons

Sam Cook: This will practically be a home game for Hull KR with the vast majority of the LNER Community Stadium filled out by Robins fans and Willie Peters’ side rarely lose at home. They’ll also have both starting wingers back and Oliver Gildart is in with a chance. The loss of cup-tied Arthur Mourgue is a major one but they should comfortably have enough to defeat a Catalans team who have misfired in 2025.

Prediction: Hull KR 28-10 Catalans Dragons

Sian Reed: Whilst Hull KR may not have been at their very best in recent weeks, they’re still doing more than enough to get results, with just that loss against Wigan as a mark against their name. It’s the sign of a top side to still win whilst not playing well. With the likely return of four players, Rovers have too much quality across the field to lose this one, surely? The Dragons have been improving in recent weeks, but not enough to beat Hull KR.

Prediction: Hull KR 32-18 Catalans Dragons

Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards

Will Jackson: Leigh should be the favourites for this one given the way they have started the Super League season. They sit third at present and with memories of beating Warrington in rivals round still fresh, they’ll be confident of reaching a second final in three years. Warrington have key men missing and they’ve hardly been consistent when it comes to form this season. However, they’ve shown in the last couple of games that there’s something about them and I think they might just get themselves to Wembley once more. It’ll go down to the wire, but I think Warrington might just edge it late on, potentially even in golden point.

Prediction: Warrington Wolves 19-18 Leigh Leopards

Sam Cook: This looks set to be far closer than Saturday’s semi-final but I think Leigh are the team with more cohesion at the minute. Warrington certainly showed fight against Wigan who they pushed close in the end but they were a clear second best. Leigh have been ticking along nicely and they seem to be a team more capable of performing on the big stage. A run of five wins in a row also can’t be ignored.

Prediction: Warrington Wolves 20-24 Leigh Leopards

Sian Reed: I’m in agreement with Sam that this will be the closer of the two games. Leigh have been quietly going about their business this season and after an unbeaten run in April and a win over Catalans at Magic Weekend, I think Leigh should win this Challenge Cup semi-final. Warrington have been underperforming most of the season, having to make multiple changes because of injury. Without their starting halfbacks of Sneyd and Williams, they lack direction, organisation and creativity.

Prediction: Warrington Wolves 12-20 Leigh Leopards

🙌 It’s @Betfred #ChallengeCup Semi-Finals week!

🤔 Which two sides will progress to the Men’s Final? pic.twitter.com/NEJJhMCVL4

— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) May 5, 2025