It is Challenge Cup semi-final weekend and tomorrow the home of Leeds Rhinos will play host to Wigan Warriors and Hull KR in a huge semi-final clash at the famous old Headingley Stadium.
Hull KR are hoping to recreate the heroics of their 2015 Challenge Cup semi-final win at the same stadium against Warrington Wolves in order to have a chance at righting the wrongs of their 2015 Challenge Cup Final defeat to Leeds.
As for Wigan they are chasing more history in the competition. They want a 21st Challenge Cup Final win and a second in a row.
However, despite their history, Jai Field has admitted that he didn’t know much about the competition.
“I didn’t really know how big it was until I got here,” Field said on The Last Tackle podcast.
“You’re in the country and obviously at a club that’s had a lot of success, so you’re definitely now made aware of it. You can see how much it means to the town and to the people here.
“The supporters are massive when they’re vocal, especially in tight spots in a game. When you’re trying to defend your line and they’re getting you up, and with drop outs and other stuff like that, they’re huge.”
Matt Peet has named his 21-man squad for Sunday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
Peet has made one change to his 21-man squad for Sunday as Willie Isa is named in the squad for the first time since a hamstring injury sustained against Leeds Rhinos in Round 12 as Iain Thornley drops out.
📋 𝙎𝙌𝙐𝘼𝘿 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎
Matt Peet has named his 21-man squad for Sunday's @TheChallengeCup Semi-Final clash against @hullkrofficial at Headingley Stadium!
🗞 Read more 👉 https://t.co/PPmIGuZ0WN#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/PQlfDKXNnn
— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 21, 2023
As for Hull KR they are without fullback Jack Walker with the former Leeds Rhinos and Hull FC star cup tied with Bradford Bulls.
This leaves a choice between Mikey Lewis and Ethan Ryan at fullback with Lewis’ return a huge boost for the Robins and bad news for Wigan.
That is also true of star man Elliot Minchella’s potential return and the fact Ryan Hall is set to defy the odds and play as he is named.
Kane Linnett is also back for the Robins after his head knock.
Great news for the Robins but bad news for the Warriors ahead of Sunday’s huge semi-final.
There is a choice to be made in the spine with Brad Schneider, Rowan Milnes and Mikey Lewis all options.
Your Semi Final 21 is in! 💪#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/LNEa8f72qF
— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) July 21, 2023
The game is set take place on Sunday at 5pm with coverage on BBC Sport.
It is sure to be one of the games of the season.