Betfred Challenge Cup 2025 – Semi-Finals preview, predictions and tips
We’re down to the final four in the Challenge Cup this weekend as Wembley comes into view. There are two cracking games on the cards, starting with the league leaders in action on Saturday afternoon…
Saturday 10th May – Hull KR vs Catalans Dragons – LNER Community Stadium
Hull KR Form guide
The Robins have been sensational this year, with just one loss in Super League against reigning champions, Wigan. They sit top of the table with nine wins in 10 games.
Road to the semi-finals
As for the cup, their run started on the same ground they’re playing on this weekend, when they eased past York Kights, 2-44. That was followed by a routine 40-0 win over Oldham, before a sterner test against arch rivals, Hull FC. A 16-32 win on the west side of the city saw Rovers book their place in this weekend’s semi-final.
Catalans Dragons form guide
The Dragons have struggled for consistency this season, with five wins and five losses in Super League to leave them just outside the play-off positions.
Road to the semi-finals
The Dragons’ cup run has been fairly straightforward. They nudged past Championship side Halifax, 0-14, in round three, before a more comfortable 46-18 win over Featherstone Rovers. A 20-12 home win over depleted Salford saw them to this stage.
Hull KR team news
Tom Davies, Joe Burgess and Kelepi Tanginoa are all back for Hull KR this weekend. Arthur Morgue misses out against his former club as he’s cup-tied.
Catalans Dragons team news
Fullback Sam Tomkins is missing for Catalans Dragons, and Léo Darrélatour has dropped out too. Tommy Makinson is back in contention though and Jordan Dezaria has returned from a loan spell at Castleford to go straight into the squad.
My prediction – Hull KR 30-12 Catalans Dragons
I can’t see past Hull KR in this one, and I can see them flying out of the blocks too. They’ve only lost once this year and most of the sell-out crowd will be behind them, so they’re big favourites for me, and I’d be surprised if they don’t win this.
Betting tips
Peta Hiku is a good price for an anytime try, at 5/4. I also like the look of Tom Davies to score anytime and Hull KR to win, at 5/4.
Sunday 11th May – Warrington Wolves vs Leigh Leopards – Totally Wicked Stadium
Warrington Wolves form guide
Warrington are in a lowly 9th in Super League, but that doesn’t tell the full story of their season so far. They were narrowly edged out 22-20 by Wigan at Magic Weekend and the previous week they were magnificent in a 32-18 win over St. Helens with an injury-ravaged squad.
Road to the semi-finals
Warrington kicked off their cup run with a 4-44 win at Whitehaven before seeing off local rivals, Widnes Vikings, 16-26. Then they toppled St. Helens 20-12 in the quarter-finals to reach this stage as they aim for a second-straight cup final appearance.
Leigh Leopards form guide
Leigh are having another magnificent season under Adrian Lam and sit 3rd in Super League. Their 26-24 win over Catalans Dragons at Magic Weekend made it four wins on the bounce.
Road to the semi-finals
The 2023 winners started with a routine 0-60 win at Workington Town before a similarly straightforward 62-4 win over Batley Bulldogs. They had a much tougher quarter-final, but their 12-20 win at Wakefield leaves them 80 minutes away from a second final in three years.
Warrington Wolves team news
Warrington welcome back Marc Sneyd, Toby King and Matty Ashton this week, but Danny Walker will be out for a few weeks and George Williams remains a long-term absentee.
Leigh Leopards team news
David Armstrong and Alec Tuitavake are back for Leigh Leopards this wek, but Aaron Pene, Keanan Brand and Frankie Halton are all unavailable.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 20-18 Leigh Leopards
I’m expecting this to be the much closer of the two semis, but I’m backing Warrington to edge it. It really could go either way, but the returns of Marc Sneyd and Matty Ashton will be huge for the Wire.
Betting tips
Matty Ashton to score anytime and Warrington to win is 7/4, which looks too good to pass up. It’s also 9/4 on Warrington to win by 1-10 points and that’s what I’m going with.
