The Ladbrokes Challenge Cup takes centre stage this weekend as the road to Wembley continues.
St Helens’ trip to Castleford looks the pick of the bunch although Hull FC’s home clash with Catalans Dragons should also serve up a tasty affair.
It’s been over three decades since Super League leaders Castleford last lifted the trophy. The Tigers reached the 2014 final only to suffer a 23-10 loss to Leeds. Saints enjoyed a successful spell in the competition in the 2000s but have not reached the final since 2008.
Another all-Super League tie sees Warrington take on Widnes in a local derby. Both teams have struggled so far in the league. The Wolves have every chance of reaching the top eight, but Widnes’ capitulation to Hull FC last Sunday means they have it all to do to avoid the bottom four. A cup run could provide a welcome distraction for Denis Betts’ men.
Hull FC have their tails up after fighting back from 22-0 down against Widnes to claim a remarkable 33-22 success. The Dragons have already won once at the Black and Whites this year, but the odds will be against them repeating that success. Catalans suffered late heartache to Leeds last Saturday and the French club will be hoping Greg Bird is fit after he went off early against the Rhinos with a head injury.
Championship high-flyers Hull KR have the chance for another Super League scalp when they travel west on the M62 to Salford. The Robins have already toppled Leigh Centurions while the Red Devils were given a stern test by transatlantic club Toronto Wolfpack. Salford are third in Super League with nine wins from 13 games.
Leeds will be expected to power past Barrow Raiders while Wakefield Trinity have a local derby in the shape of Dewsbury. Giant-killers Swinton have it all to do against the mighty Wigan Warriors, who dominated in the competition in the 90s.
Featherstone Rovers 4/11 Draw 20/1 Halifax 9/4
TGT says: Rovers by 4
Ladbrokes says:First scoring play – Featherstone Try 10/11
Dewsbury Rams 25/1 Draw 80/1 Wakefield Trinity 1/200
TGT says: Trinity by 18
Ladbrokes says: Wakefield to win by 11-20 points 6/1
Hull FC 1/7 Draw 25/1 Catalans Dragons 9/2
TGT says: Hull FC by 16
Ladbrokes says: Hull FC Winning Margin 1-5 points 6/1
Salford Red Devils 1/5 Draw 25/1 Hull KR 7/2
TGT says: Salford by 12
Ladbrokes says: Junior Sa’u Anytime try-scorer 11/10
Castleford Tigers 3/10 Draw 20/1 St Helens 5/2
TGT says: Tigers by 12
Ladbrokes says: St Helens to win 3/1
Leeds Rhinos v Barrow Raiders
TGT says: Rhinos by 30
Ladbrokes says:
Swinton Lions v Wigan Warriors
TGT says: Warriors by 30
Ladbrokes says:
Warrington Wolves 1/5 Draw 25/1 Widnes Vikings 7/2
TGT says: Warrington by 8
Ladbrokes says: Widnes to win 7/2