Warrington Wolves take on Leigh Leopards in the Challenge Cup semi-final on Sunday and here’s how each side could line up.
Wire are hoping to return to the final and make good on their 2024 defeat whereas Leigh are dreaming of another Wembley miracle like 2023 when Lachlan Lam’s drop goal secured them the trophy.
Both coaches have injury issues with Sam Burgess hampered badly in the spine with George Williams and Danny Walker both out after having undergone surgery, whilst Marc Sneyd remains a doubt despite being named in the 21-man squad.
As for Adrian Lam, five of the eight key men who missed out last week are named in the 21-man squad but whether they will play is another matter.
Warrington remain the favourites despite their pressing spine injuries and the fact they’ve won just one in four, whilst Leigh, who have won five in a row including a win over the Wolves, are deemed the underdogs.
We’ve predicted how each side could line up on Sunday at The Totally Wicked Stadium.
How Warrington Wolves could line up against Leigh
Marc Sneyd may well have to play in some of protective mask but having been named to the 21-man squad, it’s likely that Sam Burgess calls on his main playmaker.
He could partner fellow veteran Stefan Ratchford though Oli Leyland is obviously an option. Sam Powell will continue at hooker where he has impressed in recent weeks.
Lachlan Fitzgibbon had a knock last week at Magic Weekend but should be good to go with the interchange bench having plenty of options if needed as well.
Matty Ashton and Toby King return to form their left edge combo meaning Rodrick Tai and Jake Thewlis both miss out after scoring last weekend.
Predicted Warrington Wolves XIII: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Arron Lindop, Toby King, Matty Ashton; Stefan Ratchford, Marc Sneyd; Paul Vaughan, Sam Powell, Luke Yates; Adam Holroyd, Lachlan Fitzgibbon, Ben Currie
Interchanges: Joe Philbin, Jordy Crowther, Zane Musgrove, James Harrison
📋 Our 21-man squad for Sunday’s huge Challenge Cup semi final!
Who’s joining us? 🐺 pic.twitter.com/vLkC3I6Dgu
— Warrington Wolves (@WarringtonRLFC) May 9, 2025
How Leigh Leopards could line up against Warrington
Of the eight who missed out last week, three had been named in the squad and they were Umyla Hanley, Gaz O’Brien and Jack Hughes so it’s likely they’re fit with Lam conceding some injured players could have played in a pinch.
David Armstrong being named suggests he has been rushed back for this one so Bailey Hodgson is unfortunate to drop out, falling out of the 17-man squad entirely as Matt Davis, Brad Dwyer or even Ben McNamara could be the utility option off the bench.
We’ve gone with Matty Davis who alongside the returning Alec Tuitavake and Owen Trout and Andrew Badrock, who both drop from the starting XIII to the bench.
Predicted Leigh Leopards XIII: David Armstrong; Darnell McIntosh, Tesi Niu, Umyla Hanley, Josh Charnley; Gaz O’Brien, Lachlan Lam; Robbie Mulhern, Edwin Ipape, Joe Ofahengaue; Jack Hughes, Ethan O’Neill, Isaac Liu
Interchanges: Matty Davis, Owen Trout Alec Tuitavake, Andrew Badrock
🐆 𝟮𝟭 𝗦𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗗 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗗
The lineup has been chosen, Lammy’s 21 man squad for this weekend’s Challenge Cup Semi Final. pic.twitter.com/4H4hzKCfwK
— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) May 9, 2025
