Challenge Cup Previews

Welcome to a new era - Scrumbag RL is here!

Our inaugural "proper" Rugby League post is well-timed, coming as it does on the eve of the Challenge Cup semi-finals.  Tomorrow, St. Helens face First Division Hull KR at Huddersfield's Galpharm Stadium while, on Sunday Huddersfield themselves make the short trip to Bradford's Odsal Stadium for a Yorkshire derby with Leeds Rhinos.  St Helens, the current league leaders, are obvious favourites to defeat the Robins, while Leeds will be most people's tip to take the other place in the final.

St Helens vs Hull KR

The Saints are looking to stay on track for a Super League/Challenge Cup double, but will be only too aware that at this stage last year their Cup run was holed beneath the water line by Hull RFC.  They will therefore be keen to avoid a different kind of double.  They come into this game on the back of an 18-14 victory over closest Super League rivals Leeds, during which centre Jamie Lyon was sent off for a late tackle.  To Lyon's eternal relief, his punishment ends there and he will line up against the Robins tomorrow.  The First Division leaders, with an unbeaten record in the League and Challenge Cup this year, will hope to make light of their underdogs tag, and will rely on full-back Ben Cockayne to inspire them.

Prediction: Saints by ten

Leeds vs Huddersfield

The Rhinos will be hoping that stand-off Danny McGuire, included in the 20-man squad for this game, will be able to play after a scan on a shin injury that has plagued his season.  McGuire himself is not confident, but even in his absence his side will start as favourites.  The Giants will hope to carry over the form that saw them win a penalty-filled game against West Yorkshire rivals Castleford in the Super League last week.  A knock to Paul Reilly shouldn't prevent him taking part - good news for the Giants, who will need all hands on deck if they are to upset the form book.

Prediction: Rhinos by four