Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors for a place at Wembley

After yesterdays tense matches at the Halliwell Jones, all eyes turn to Headingley as Hull KR take on Wigan Warriors for the last place in the Men’s Challenge Cup Final, but who will face the Leopards at Wembley?

The Robins have not been in great form lately, and until last week they were outside the top six. They had strayed away from what saw them climb as high as third in the table, and this was epitomised in their derby defeat to Hull FC. However last week saw them return to winning ways, and it could not have been a more crucial time to do it as they travelled to Headingley to down the Rhinos, which could give them a huge boost ahead of today’s game at the same ground.

Their victory last week was inspired by new signing Brad Schneider. The new arrival from Canberra Raiders could not have had a better debut, as he not only scored a try, but he assisted another and then slotted the vital drop goal in Golden Point. He will need to repeat this level of performance again today. Another crucial player for the Robins last week was Ethan Ryan. He was solid under the high ball, and stood tall in the face of the Rhinos onslaught. He again will need a repeat of his display last week.

Willie Peters has named his squad for the semi, which features the return of star halfback Mikey Lewis. Lewis was unavailable for the clash last week due to a head knock, however he is now back in the Robins squad and could be tested out at fullback. Brad Schneider will make his Challenge Cup debut for his new side. The halfback is still yet to play away from Headingley since his arrival in the UK. He could feature alongside Rowan Milnes in the halves, with Willie Peters likely to keep this winning pair together again. Elsewhere, George King looks set to face his brother Toby as he is also included. Elliot Minchella is also named in the squad, with Willie Peters admitting the forward is touch and go for the game.

Your Semi Final 21 is in! 💪#UpTheRobins🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/LNEa8f72qF

— Hull KR (@hullkrofficial) July 21, 2023

Wigan also come to Headingley having tasted victory there this season. They overcame Leeds in the Challenge Cup earlier this season, and this might also give them a boost ahead of the clash against Hull.

The Cherry and Whites are the holders of the Challenge Cup, and they have an opportunity to go back to back. If they win today at Headingley, they will also face local rivals Leigh Leopards at Wembley. This is a huge dangling carrot for Matty Peet’s side, but can they take it?

They come into the game in pretty solid form too. They have won four out of their last five, including two wins over Warrington; however their loss came against bottom side Wakefield Trinity.

Star players Bevan French and Jai Field are the crucial players for Wigan. The pair are able to play across the backline, and have provided the extra edge in attack which has taken the Warriors to third in the Super League table. If the Warriors stand a chance of winning, they will need to be at their best. Another key player for the Cherry and Whites is Liam Marshall. The speedy winger has a real eye for the tryline, and could cause the Robins problems on their left edge.

Matty Peet has named his 21 for the match, which features key men Jai Field and Bevan French. Elsewhere, Toby King is in line to face his brother George as he makes the squad. Turning our attention to the pack, club stalwart Liam Farrell is included, and Kaide Ellis is also included after he signed a new three-year deal with the club this week. Morgan Smithies is also named in the squad.

📋 𝙎𝙌𝙐𝘼𝘿 𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎

Matt Peet has named his 21-man squad for Sunday's @TheChallengeCup Semi-Final clash against @hullkrofficial at Headingley Stadium!

🗞 Read more 👉 https://t.co/PPmIGuZ0WN#WWRL #ChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/PQlfDKXNnn

— Wigan Warriors 🍒⚪️ (@WiganWarriorsRL) July 21, 2023

Will Wigan make it back to back Challenge Cup finals? Or will the Robins go one better than last season and make it to the showpiece event. It promises to be a cracker at Headingley.

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