Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 – Quarter Finals preview, predictions and betting tips
Just eight teams remain in this year’s Challenge Cup, as the big day at Wembley starts to come into view. It’s an all-Super League affair in all four ties, starting with 13-time winners St Helens against Catalans Dragons, whose sole success came in 2018…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 10th April 2026.
- Friday 10th April – St Helens vs Catalans Dragons – Brewdog Stadium
- Saturday 11th April – Hull KR vs York Knights – Sewell Group Craven Park
- Betting tips
- Saturday 11th April – Warrington Wolves vs Leigh Leopards – Halliwell Jones Stadium
- Sunday 12th April – Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors – DIY Kitchens Stadium
Friday 10th April – St Helens vs Catalans Dragons – Brewdog Stadium
How they got here
Saints have strolled into the quarter-finals with a 98-2 win at Workington in Round Three, followed by a 32-8 win at Castleford last time out.
Catalans have made even lighter work of their route to this stage. They followed up a 56-4 win over Batley with 58-0 home win over Oldham.
Team news
St Helens have made seven changes to the squad which saw off Wigan so impressively on Good Friday. Shane Wright failed his HIA in that game and misses out, while Agnatius Paasi suffered a hamstring injury. Alfie Sinclair, Chris Matagi and Billy Keeley also drop out, while Jordan Dezaria and Bill Leyland have gone back to parent club Hull KR.
There are some big names returning in their place though. Kyle Feldt is back from a ban, Jonny Lomax, Alex Walmsley and George Delaney are back from injury, George Whitby is back from a failed HIA, and youngsters Cole Marsh and Oscar Knox also come in.
Catalans Dragons make one change to the squad who saw off Toulouse last weekend. Ben Garcia comes back in place of Josh Allen.
My prediction – St Helens 26-18 Catalans Dragons
Saints will be buzzing after last week’s win over Wigan, and with a few players back this week, they’ll really fancy their chances of progressing at home.
Betting tips
Kyle Feldt and Charlie Staines to each score a try is very nicely priced at 6/1. I’m going for over 42.5 points as well, which is 4/5.
Saturday 11th April – Hull KR vs York Knights – Sewell Group Craven Park
How they got here
Holders Hull KR picked up a club-record victory in the Third Round with their 104-0 win over Lock Lane. Then they saw off fellow Super League side Huddersfield in Round Four, 52-12.
The Knights were 56-10 winners over Keighley in Round Four, having seen off Barrow with a 32-6 victory in Round Three.
Team news
Three changes for Hull KR this week, following their Good Friday victory over Hull FC. Rhyse Martin’s back in the squad along with Jordan Dezaria and Bill Leyland, who have returned from a loan spell with St Helens. Jack Charles and Harvey Horne drop out, plus captain Elliot Minchella, who has a hamstring issue.
York Knights have made four changes to the squad who lost at Huddersfield over Easter. David Nofoaluma and Will Roberts are cup-tied, Ben Jones-Bishop is injured, and Will Dagger failed his HIA last weekend. Jack Smith and Sam Wood are back in the squad, while on-loan pair Joe Law and Myles Harrison are also named.
My prediction – Hull KR 42-12 York Knights
The Robins might have lost to York in Round One of Super League, but a lot has changed since then. After a sluggish start to the campaign, Rovers have picked up in recent weeks, while York’s already-thin squad has been stretched, and it’s starting to show in their results.
Betting tips
There aren’t many markets open for this one yet, but I’ll be backing Oliver Gildart and Joe Burgess for anytime tries nearer kick-off.
Saturday 11th April – Warrington Wolves vs Leigh Leopards – Halliwell Jones Stadium
How they got here
Warrington saw off Sheffield Eagles 34-6 in Round Three, before a 78-10 thrashing of Goole Vikings in the last round.
Leigh coasted past North Wales Crusaders in Round Three, 60-6, before a tighter 16-6 win over Hull FC last time out.
Team news
Cai Taylor-Wray and Kelepi Tanginoa are back for Warrington this week, and there’s a place for youngster Tommy Rhodes. Jordy Crowther, Ewan Smith and Lachlan Webster drop out.
Leigh have Umyla Hanley, Edwin Ipape and AJ Towse available again. Keanan Brand, Will Brough and Franke Halton drop out.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 30-16 Leigh Leopards
Warrington comfortably saw off Leigh in Super League last weekend and I see no reason for them not to do the same here. The Leopards may close the gap a little, but I can’t see them winning against an in-form Wire team.
Betting tips
Warrington have been given just a -8 handicap, which I’ll be backing all day long at 5/6. I’ll get on Cai Taylor-Wray for an anytime try as well when the market opens.
Sunday 12th April – Wakefield Trinity vs Wigan Warriors – DIY Kitchens Stadium
How they got here
Wakefield strolled past Swinton in Round Three, in an 82-6 victory. They faced a much tougher test in the next round, but saw off local rivals Leeds Rhinos, 24-14.
Wigan had a routine 83-0 win over Rochdale in Round Three, then saw off Bradford Bulls, 30-6, in Round Four.
Team news
One change for Wakefield this week, with Jayden Myers replacing Caius Faatili.
Just one change for Wigan this week as well. Ethan Havard is being rested after a head knock last week, so Tom Forber comes back into the squad after returning from a loan spell with Castleford.
My prediction – Wakefield Trinity 14-20 Wigan Warriors
Wakefield have won five in a row and Wigan have lost their last two, so the form points towards the home side. I just have a feeling Wigan will bounce back sooner rather than later though, and that could start here.
Betting tips
Wigan have been given a -8 handicap, which looks risky given their recent form. Instead, I’ll be looking at a 1-7 winning margin when the market opens, plus an anytime try for Jack Farrimond.
