A derby tie and final re-match - what to look out for in Challenge Cup semis

3 min read
A derby tie and final re-match - what to look out for in Challenge Cup semis

A derby tie and final re-match - what to look out for in Challenge Cup semis

A derby and a repeat of last year's final set the scene for this year's Challenge Cup semi-finals - but who will seal their place in the final on 30 May?

A derby tie and final re-match - what to look out for in Challenge Cup semis

A derby and a repeat of last year's final set the scene for this year's Challenge Cup semi-finals - but who will seal their place in the final on 30 May?

Get ready for a blockbuster weekend of rugby league as the Challenge Cup semi-finals serve up a feast of drama, with a fierce local derby and a mouthwatering rematch of last year's final on the cards.

All four semi-finals across the men's and women's competitions are set to deliver edge-of-your-seat action. In the men's draw, it all kicks off with a colossal derby clash between St Helens and Wigan, where the winner books a coveted spot at Wembley. Then, on Sunday, Warrington faces reigning champions Hull KR in a repeat of the 2024 final that will have fans buzzing.

Both matches will be broadcast live on the BBC, so you won't miss a minute of the drama as these titans battle for a place in the final on 30 May.

Let's break down the storylines. Wigan and St Helens meet for the second time this season, and their first encounter was nothing short of legendary. On Good Friday, Saints produced a stunning comeback, with loanee Bill Leyland scoring two dramatic late tries to snatch a 34-24 victory after trailing by 14 points in the second half.

"You've got to reflect on it," Wigan boss Matt Peet told BBC Radio Manchester. "Some of that still stands, and it's something we'll talk about again this week. But it's not just the last 10 minutes—it's lessons learned from the whole game."

Since that defeat, Wigan have lost two of their last four matches across all competitions, though one highlight was a thrilling Challenge Cup win over Wakefield last month. Half-back Harry Smith knows the team needs to sharpen up: "When we don't have momentum, how do we win it back quicker? We can definitely take lessons from that game and the past three as well."

On the other side, St Helens boss Paul Rowley is keeping things simple, focusing on the basics as his side prepares for another high-stakes showdown. With Wembley in sight, this weekend promises to be a true test of grit, skill, and nerve.

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