The draw has been made for the Betfred Challenge Cup Quarter Finals – and 20-times cup winners Wigan Warriors must do it the hard way if they are to be in with a chance of making it 21 at Wembley Stadium in August.
After coming from 14-0 down to defeat Leeds Rhinos at Headingley, the cup holders now face another monumental task in the shape of a resurgent Warrington Wolves. Wigan have already beaten the Super League leaders once this season, but must do so again after the Wolves once more showed their class of ’23 in winning 14-16 against Catalans Dragons in Perpignan.
York Knights will fly the flag for the Betfred Championship, having defeated London Broncos 36-12 at the LNER Community Stadium, and they entertain competition dark-horses Leigh Leopards who must fancy their chances of a first trip to Wembley Stadium since the 1971 defeat of Leeds. And head coach Adrian Lam knows exactly what it takes, having been a Challenge Cup winner himself with Wigan. Lam was also an AB Sundecks 1895 Cup-winning coach on finals day 2022 at Tottenham.
Leigh, Hull KR are another team enjoying 2023 so far – and Rovers in turn face another team that falls into the same category: Salford Red Devils. The two clubs have each won the competition only once – Salford in 1938 and Rovers in 1980 – but on current form nobody will back against them adding a second.
Hull FC powered past Castleford Tigers to reach the Quarter Finals stage for the ninth year in succession – and they will face St Helens, who were made to work hard for their win at Halifax Panthers. The two sides last met in 2021 at Leigh Sports Village, when Saints held off an incredible Hull comeback to make the final where they defeated Castleford at Wembley Stadium.
Quarter Finals draw in full
Hull FC v St Helens
Hull KR v Salford Red Devils
Wigan Warriors v Warrington Wolves
York Knights v Leigh Leopards
Ties will be played over the weekend of 17/18 June.
Semi-finals on 22/23 July and the Betfred Challenge Cup Final itself on Saturday 12 August – alongside the final of the Women’s Challenge Cup and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final.
The draw for the Quarter Finals of the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 5 Live on Friday night, following their live coverage of the Betfred Super League fixture between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens.
Tickets for Finals Day at Wembley Stadium are on sale now via the RFL website. Fans can take advantage of an Early Bird offer of 25% OFF all tickets, with prices starting from only £15 Adults and £7.50 for Under 16s.
