It’s the second Challenge Cup semi-final this afternoon with Hull KR set to face holders Wigan Warriors, for a chance to face Leigh Leopards at Wembley following their win over St Helens.
The Leopards edged the Saints out in a thriller at the Halliwell Jones with Saints’ Tommy Makinson missing a last minute conversion to take the game to golden point.
Any replication of yesterday’s match quality would ensure that the second semi-final is another classic.
Factor in that these teams have already met twice this season, winning one apiece with Wigan’s victory coming in late golden point drama too, then it’s almost certain to be a cracking game.
It’s evident that there’s a lot on the line at Headingley and that’s been reflected in the incredible ticket sales with the ground expected to be close to a sell out.
Reigning champions Wigan have named a very strong squad with Willie Isa returning and Bevan French once again partnering Harry Smith in the halves.
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Matt Peet has named his side to take on @hullkrofficial in the @TheChallengeCup Semi-Final!#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/FtD4bFxczw
— Wigan Warriors πβͺοΈ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 23, 2023
Matt Peet’s side defeated St Helens at this stage last year as they progressed to the final where they edged out Huddersfield and they enter this game coming off the back of a win over Warrington Wolves.
As for Hull KR, they crashed out at this stage last season to the Giants and they did so with a meek performance, something they’re intent on putting right today.
They enter the game having just won at Headingley courtesy of a golden point win through new signing Brad Schneider’s drop-goal.
The NRL signing once again starts, retaining his position over the returning Mikey Lewis, who is only good enough for a spot on the bench which is incredibly surprising news given how prominent he’s been for Rovers this season.
There’d been plenty of debate mid week as to whether Lewis would reclaim his spot in the halves or if Willie Peters would keep a winning formula, and that is what he’s done.
Elliot Minchella also returns which is a major boost for the Robins as they aim to make their first Challenge Cup semi-final since 2015.
Your Semi-Final team is IN! πͺ#UpTheRobinsπ΄βͺοΈ pic.twitter.com/IJgSLLg6Cg
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) July 23, 2023
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