4 May 2023

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup Preview | Sunday 7 May

The Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup returns this weekend, with another set of intriguing fixtures set to take place.

In Group 1, Betfred Women’s Super League (WSL) Group 2 side Salford Red Devils host Cardiff Demons of the Women’s Super League South, in what is set to be the first meeting between the sides.

Both sides will be looking to earn their first wins in the tournament after suffering respective defeats to Featherstone Rovers and Wigan Warriors.

Featherstone and Wigan meet this weekend in the other Group 1 fixture. Rovers, who won the tournament in 2012, claimed victory in the last meeting between the two sides, which came in the Challenge Cup Quarter Final in April last year.

Elsewhere, in Group 2, 2017 winners Bradford Bulls lock horns with Huddersfield Giants at the Horsfall Stadium.

Huddersfield can make it two wins from as many matches following their impressive 54-4 victory over Oulton Raidettes, whilst Bradford will be looking to return to winning ways after going down against Leeds Rhinos last time out.

The other match scheduled for Group 2 has been awarded to Leeds Rhinos with a 48-0 winning margin after Oulton Raidettes advised they would be unable to field a 17 after a number of injuries added to other strains on their squad.

Group 3 sees York Valkyrie host Hull KR at the LNER Community Stadium. WSL Group 1 leaders Valkyrie will be favourites in the tie after their impressive start to the season.

Lindsay Anfield’s side will be hoping to go one better than in 2021 when they finished as runners up, where Hull KR will be searching for their first win in the competition this year.

The other Group 3 tie takes place at Twist Lane where Leigh Leopards welcome Barrow Raiders.

Barrow have won both of the previous meetings between the two sides, but Leigh will be full of confidence following their victory over Hull KR last time out.

Finally, in Group 4 six-time winners and current holders St Helens travel to WSL Group 2 outfit Castleford Tigers.

Saints can make it five wins in a row against the Tigers, who fell to a 72-0 defeat at home to Warrington last time out. St Helens, meanwhile, recorded an impressive 76-0 victory away at London Broncos.

The other Group 4 fixture takes place at Victoria Park where Warrington face off against the Broncos. There have been no previous fixtures between the sides.

Fixtures - Sunday 7th May 2023

Group 1