Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 – Semi Finals preview, predictions and betting tips
We’re just 80 minutes away from Wembley as the final four do battle in this year’s Challenge Cup. With the exception of Leeds, these are the four strongest teams in the Super League, so it’s fitting that they’re all here.
These promise to be two blockbuster games, and here’s my take on what will happen…
*All odds are taken from Paddy Power and correct at time of writing on 8th May 2026.
Saturday 9th May – St Helens vs Wigan Warriors – Halliwell Jones Stadium
How they got here
Saints have strolled into the semi-finals with a 98-2 win at Workington in Round Three, a 32-8 win at Castleford in Round Four, and a 36-4 win over Catalans Dragons in the quarter-finals.
Wigan had a routine 83-0 win over Rochdale in Round Three, then saw off Bradford Bulls, 30-6, in Round Four. In their quarter-final win at Wakefield, they had a much stiffer test, before eventually seeing Trinity off in a 26-22 victory.
Team news
St Helens have made just two changes to the squad who saw off York in Super League last weekend. Lewis Murphy and Deon Cross are back from injury, and they take the place of Kyle Feldt and Bill Leyland.
Wigan Warriors have also made two changes. Harry Smith and Sam Walters are back from suspension, and they take over from Ethan Havard and Josh Cartwright.
My prediction – St Helens 22-18 Wigan Warriors
This is a tough one to call and form goes out of the window when it comes to a cup semi-final. That’s just as well for Wigan, who have been out of sorts recently. I’m expecting them to lift for this game, but Saints might just have a little too much.
Betting tips
I’m a little surprised to see Wigan are favourites, so I’m getting straight on Saints in the outright win market at 6/5. There are some great odds on anytime tryscorers this week, so Zach Eckersley is my pick, at 7/5.
Sunday 10th May – Warrington Wolves vs Hull KR – Eco-Power Stadium
How they got here
Warrington saw off Sheffield Eagles 34-6 in Round Three, before a 78-10 thrashing of Goole Vikings in Round Four. They beat Super League opposition in the quarter-finals, with a 24-10 win over Leigh Leopards.
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, before beating York Knights 48-10 in the last round.
Team news
Warrington have Luke Yates and Josh Thewlis back in the squad after injury. Jake Thewlis drops out this week.
Big news for Hull KR this week with Arthur Mourgue returning to the squad for the first time since February. Bill Leyland also comes in after returning from a loan spell with St Helens.
My prediction – Warrington Wolves 12-14 Hull KR
Again, this game’s far too close to call. I can’t split these two, but if I have to then I’m just edging towards the Robins.
Betting tips
Hull KR have been given a -8 handicap, which seems very big to me. On that basis, I’m backing Warrington at +8, which is 4/5. I’ll also get on Joe Burgess for an anytime try when the market opens.
