Here is a preview of the Challenge Cup quarter finals.
Hull KR versus Catalan Dragons
This is the second meeting in the Challenge Cup between these two sides after the Catalan won 20-18 at Craven Park in 2012.
Looking at recent form, it’s hard to separate the Rovers and the Dragons.
They have each won their respective home fixture against the other this year, although Hull KR put Catalan to the sword 50-20 in March.
The most important stat to consider with this match-up is the French club’s away record. They have only amassed three points away from France this season.
Hull KR have won two of their last three at home including two big wins against Widnes and Warrington.
Their win over the Wolves was tremendous. Albert Kelly’s kicking game was superb as the Rovers won 36-10. Hull KR’s counterattacking led by speedster Kieran Dixon has laid the platform for the Rovers to dominate their opposition.
Catalan have scored back to back home victories against Hull FC and Wakefield but it’s hard to gauge which Dragons side will show up for this clash.
Will we get the undisciplined Dragons who are soft in defence and lazy around the ruck, or will we get the Dragons who threaten every set and bash their opponents through the ruck?
I’m leaning towards a win for the Rovers only because of the home factor, but you can’t rule out the French side showing up and dominating the light Hull KR pack.
Tip: Hull KR by 4
Hull FC versus Leeds Rhinos
After falling short at Headingley last weekend, Hull FC will look for a reversal of fortunes as they host Leeds at the KC Stadium.
The Black and Whites will be without halfback Marc Sneyd who copped a two match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Danny McGuire, who is also out.
In a bizarre ruling by the match official, the Rhinos five-eighth was sin binned for lashing out after the illegal tackle from Sneyd.
Leeds coach Brian McDermott was left confused by the ruling, “the kid makes a break and has his ankle twisted – even the referee signalled that. And in desperation to not have his ankle broken, he kicks out to get the bloke off his ankle and he gets sin-binned for it,” McDermott said.
“It worries me that the game has got that wrong.”
Leeds Rhinos have got the wood over Hull FC in recent Cup clashes, with wins at the KC Stadium in 2010 and 2011 respectively.
Leeds recent form has been mixed with wins and losses dotted among their last six matches, however they still hold number one spot on the Super League table.
I’m leaning towards the visitors in this fixture, they have more experience across the park and history has shown they can grind out tough wins in do or die situations. They caused havoc in their last match at Hull, scoring 43 points in the second half to embarrass the Black and Whites.
Tip: Leeds by 10
Warrington Wolves versus Leigh Centurions
Giant-killers Leigh Centurions will look to add a third Super League scalp to their cup run as they take on Warrington at the Haliwell Jones Stadium on Saturday.
The Championship outfit have only lost one game this season and believe they can upset their more fancied Super League opponents, after downing Salford and Wakefield in their recent Cup fixtures.
Warrington on the other hand have been poor in recent weeks, they have lost three out of their last four Super League matches.
This includes a capitulation against Hull KR last weekend, where their kick chase and defence out wide was not up to standard.
Leigh have the longest odds out of all teams going into the quarter finals but it would be unwise for Warrington and their fans to take them lightly.
However the Wolves are a side with class and talent across the park.
They have two good finishers on the wings, a forward pack oozing with international experience and skilled playmakers to direct their attack.
Although many fans of rugby league would love to see Leigh’s fairytale run continue, the Wolves may be a bridge too far for the Centurions.
They will compete well and give it their all but ultimately I can’t see Warrington messing this one up.
Tip: Warrington by 18
St Helens versus Widnes Vikings
Rounding out the quarter finals we see Widnes travelling up the road to take on St Helens.
The reigning premiers went down to Castleford in a nail-biter last week, where Ben Roberts landed a buzzer-beating drop goal.
No doubt the Saints will bounce back to winning form this weekend.
Widnes were unable to beat a 12-man Huddersfield last weekend and have now lost their last three matches since the Magic Weekend, while St Helens have won five of their last six.
Their last Challenge Cup meeting in 2012 went down to the wire as St Helens got up 40-38. Saints have also been victorious in both fixtures against Widnes this year.
All the stats seem to point towards a big St Helens win but nothing is ever certain in a Cup tie. There has been plenty of boil-overs this year already and if the Vikings play their best footy they’re definitely a chance.
I’ve got to go with St Helens here, they will be keen to bounce back after a heartbreaking loss last week. They have got the troops to deal some damage to the struggling Vikings.
Tip: Saints by 20
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