Up for the Cup - assessing the prospects for semi-finalists Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Salford Devils

Leeds Rhinos have qualified for their 18th Challenge Cup semi-final in 25 seasons, but will be underdogs when they face Wigan Warriors on Saturday, October 3.
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Warrington Wolves take on Salford Red Devils in the other semi’ the same afternoon and most pundits will predict a Wigan versus Warrington Wolves final two weeks later.

Here’s how the competition’s last four shape up.

Leeds Rhinos

Luke Briscoe scored one of Rhinos' eight tries in the Cup quarter-final win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.Luke Briscoe scored one of Rhinos' eight tries in the Cup quarter-final win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Luke Briscoe scored one of Rhinos' eight tries in the Cup quarter-final win over Hull KR. Picture by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

Cup record: Thirteen-time winners, Rhinos haven’t reached the final since the last time they won it five years ago. Next month will be their third semi-final in that time.

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Pros: The pressure will be off Rhinos, as underdogs, but they have proved this year they can play effective attacking rugby and are capable of defending their line under pressure. They have some individuals in eye-catching form.

Cons: Leeds haven’t beaten Wigan since 2017 and were crushed 28-10 by them earlier this month. Their recent record against top teams is poor.

Potential match-winner: Luke Gale.

Wigan Warriors:

Cup record: The only team to have won the trophy more times than Leeds, with 19 victories. They last lifted the trophy in 2013.

Pros: They are in solid form, with and without the ball, as shown in their 36-4 quarter-final hammering of Hull. In Bevan French and Jackson Hastings they have two of the competition’s most potent attacking threats.

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Cons: Wigan, who have a big derby against St Helens just three days before the semi-final, can be vulnerable, as Hull KR proved earlier this month. Rhinos are due a win against their traditional rivals.

Potential match-winner: Zak Hardaker.

Warrington Wolves:

Cup record: Modern Cup kings, Warrington won the trophy for the ninth time last year. Their victories also include, 2009, 2010 and 2012 and they were runners-up in 2016 and 2018.

Pros: Warrington are the European game’s form team with eight straight wins since Rhinos crushed them 36-0 in February. They ousted Super League champions and leaders St Helens 20-18 in last weekend’s quarter-final.

Cons: Warrington have sometimes come unstuck when going into games as favourites. A tough recent schedule may take its toll.

Potential match-winner: Blake Austin.

Salford Red Devils:

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Cup record: Salford have won the trophy only once, in 1938. They haven’t reached the final for 51 years.

Pros: The Red Devils hit back from 12-0 down to beat quarter-final opponents Catalans 22-18 in golden point extra-time, displaying great defensive grit and remarkable fighting spirit.

Cons: Salford’s form for most of this year has been disappointing and they don’t have as much star quality as Warrington.

Potential match-winner: Kallum Watkins.

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