Betfred Challenge Cup 2025 – Quarter Finals preview and predictions – part 2
Two down, two to go in the Challenge Cup Quarter Finals, and there are two blockbusters left this weekend, starting with a huge derby in West Hull…
Saturday 5th April – Hull FC vs Hull KR – MKM Stadium
Without doubt, this is the tie of the round, in every way. Hull have revealed this will be their biggest crowd for a home Challenge Cup tie since 1961, and this is also set to be the biggest non-final crowd for any Challenge Cup game since 2008.
Form guide
With these two sides occupying the top two spots in Super League, this should be an absolute cracker. The Black and Whites sit 2nd, with a 4-1-1 record so far, while the Robins are flying, with six straight wins to start the year.
In the Challenge Cup, Hull saw off amateur side York Acron, 6-52, in round three, before a very impressive 22-26 win at holders Wigan in the last round.
Rovers won 2-44 at York Knights in round three, then followed that up with a routine 40-0 win over Oldham in the last round.
Team news
The headline news for Hull is the inclusion of Will Pryce following his midweek move from the NRL. Zak Hardaker, Yusuf Aydin and Callum Kemp also come back into the squad. Cade Cust is ruled out with a concussion, Liam Watts is cup-tied, while Will Hutchinson and Lloyd Kemp drop out as well.
James Batchelor drops out of the Hull KR squad this week through injury, and Arthur Morgue misses out as he’s cup-tied. Lee Kershaw and Bill Leyland join the squad in their place.
My prediction – Hull FC 18-20 Hull KR
I don’t know if it’s just all the hype surrounding this game, but I think it could be an all-time classic. I’m expecting a huge performance from the Black and Whites in front of a massive home crowd, but I can see the Robins just edging it.
Betting tips
As this game’s on BBC, there’s a Man of the Match market with Sky Bet this week, and Mikey Lewis looks a shoo-in for that at 2/1 – providing KR win, of course. I fancy Tom Davies as an anytime try scorer for Rovers as well, at 11/10.
Sunday 6th April – Warrington Wolves vs St Helens – Halliwell Jones Stadium
With the Hull derby taking centre stage this weekend, this game has almost gone under the radar, but on paper it should be just as entertaining.
Form guide
Both sides have been very up-and-down in Super League this year, and they both have a 4-2 record for 2025 to sit 5th and 4th in the table.
In the Challenge Cup, the Wire knocked Whitehaven out, 4-44, in round three, before a trickier tie against local rivals Widnes Vikings in round four, which they came through, 16-26.
As for Saints, they beat amateur side West Hull, 0-38, in round three, before a hard-fought 22-14 win over Leeds Rhinos in round four.
Team news
Josh Thewlis and Jordy Crowther retrun for Warrington this week in place of Stefan Ratchford and Dan Russell. Matty Ashton, Toby King and Rodrick Tai are all included again, despite missing out last week through injury.
St. Helens have made one change to last week’s squad with Curtis Sironen returning in place of Harry Robertson, who failed his HIA last weekend.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 18-12 St Helens
This one’s too close to call, with both sides fairly evenly matched. I’m backing the Wire to do the job though, partly due to home advantage, and partly because on their day, I think they’re a stronger side than Saints.
Betting tips
There looks to be some great value in the try scorer markets, and Josh Thewlis to score anytime looks a solid shout at 2/1. This game’s also on BBC, so Matt Dufty to be named Man of the Match would be my bet at 5/1.
