Betfred Challenge Cup Final 2026 – Preview, predictions and tips
Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR – 30th May – Wembley Stadium
It’s that time again, as the Challenge Cup reaches its climax at Wembley this weekend. More than 60,000 fans are expected to see Wigan take on Hull KR.
Wigan are chasing a record-extending 22nd success in the competition, while holders Hull KR are looking to win their third final.
Form guide
Wigan Warriors
It’s been a mixed year so far for the Warriors, who are 6th in Super League with a 7-5 record.
After winning their opening five games, they went on a four-game losing streak to drop down the table. They recovered with back-to-back wins over Bradford and Leeds earlier this month, before an under-strength side were hammered last Thursday by this weekend’s cup final opponents.
Hull KR
The Robins’ form has been the opposite. After losing three of their first four games, they’ve won seven in a row to climb to 4th – just two points off top spot.
They’re the second-highest points scorers in Super League too, despite playing a game less than leaders Leeds.
Head to head
These two met in Super League last week, but I wouldn’t draw any conclusions from that game. Wigan rested almost their entire first team, as 10 youngsters made their debuts in a 62-4 thrashing.
The two sides will next face each other in late August at the Brick Community Stadium.
Route to the final
Wigan Warriors
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| Third | Rochdale Hornets | 83-0 |
| Fourth | Bradford Bulls | 30-6 |
| Quarter-Final | Wakefield Trinity | 26-22 |
| Semi-Final | St Helens | 32-0 |
Hull KR
| Round | Opponent | Score |
| Third | Lock Lane ARLFC | 104-0 |
| Fourth | Huddersfield Giants | 52-12 |
| Quarter-Final | York Knights | 48-10 |
| Semi-Final | Warrington Wolves | 32-12 |
Players to watch
Bevan French is the surprise name in the Warriors squad this weekend, although whether he’ll play remains to be seen. The 30-year-old stand-off was initially ruled out until July, so he’s either way ahead of schedule or coach Matt Peet is playing mind games.
Either way, he’ll be a game changer if he does play. He’s won everything there is to win since coming to Super League back in 2019 – both individually and as a team.
Brad O’Neill has arguably been Wigan’s most consistent player this year, and after being rested last week, the hooker will be ready to go for the full 80 minutes this week.
He’s still only 23, but his medal cabinet’s bursting at the seams, and he could add a Lance Todd trophy to that collection with a big performance on Saturday.
12 months ago, Mikey Lewis came into the Challenge Cup Final without a trophy to his name. Fast forward a year, and he’s claimed four of them, as well as playing in all three Ashes tests for England at the backend of 2025.
He’s got 13 tries in Super League this year too, including a hat-trick against the Warriors last week, so he comes into this game in fine form.
Tom Amone has ably stepped into the shoes of Jared Waerea-Hargreaves since arriving at the start of the year. The big prop got his Robins career off to the perfect start with a try in the World Club Challenge win over Brisbane back in February, and he’ll be after his second medal in a little over four months this weekend.
Team news
Wigan welcome back Liam Farrell and Bevan French this week. They’ve named a near full-strength squad, with only Liam Marshall missing from their strongest 13.
Hull KR have James Batchelor and Joe Burgess back in the squad this week. Similar to Wigan, they only have one of their strongest 13 missing, with fullback Arthur Mourgue out injured.
My prediction
Wigan Warriors 14-8 Hull KR
There have been a few cagey affairs between these two in the last couple of years and I can see this being similar. Both teams’ successes in recent years have been built on strong defence, so I’m not expecting a really high-scoring affair in the Wembley sunshine.
Betting tips
There are some great odds on anytime tryscorers, so I’m jumping straight on Zach Eckersley for Wigan, at 11/5.
Hull KR are slight favourites, so if I’m going with my score prediction then Wigan to win is a no-brainer at 6/5.
