There’s some very tasty match-ups in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup, so who will get one step closer to Wembley?
Featherstone Rovers v Hull FC (Thu, 7:35pm)
Hull FC climbed into the top four with an impressive win over Castleford last weekend, and will be desperate to retain the trophy they have won in each of the last two season.
Featherstone have been having a great season in the Championship and look set for another top four finish. They will give everything in this one but Hull will be too strong.
However, I do hope that Luke Briscoe gets a try to equal that record of scoring in 17 successive games. He’s had an incredible year so far and I’m sure even Hull fans would allow him that try.
Prediction: Featherstone Rovers 12-40 Hull FC
Leigh Centurions vs Salford Red Devils (Fri, 7:35pm)
This should be a very interesting game, with Leigh bang in form in the Championship since Kieron Purtill took over.
After last year’s struggle they will be desperate to prove themselves against Super League opposition, but making the Qualifiers will be the priority right now.
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Salford offered nothing at Wigan last week but I still think they’ll just about come away with the win.
Prediction: Leigh Centurions 16-28 Salford Red Devils
Huddersfield Giants vs Wakefield Trinity (Fri, 7:45pm)
Both of these sides recorded crucial Super League wins last week so should have some confidence.
Simon Woolford has a big job on his hands at the Giants, and while their priorities are elsewhere I’m sure the players will give their all for him in this game.
Wakefield were really on top form last week though, and if they arrive with a similar attitude they will get the win.
Prediction: Huddersfield Giants 20-36 Wakefield Trinity
Widnes Vikings vs Leeds Rhinos (Fri, 8:00pm)
Widnes won this fixture in the league earlier this season, but it’s fair to say things haven’t gone quite as well since then.
Leeds are in a tough place right now too, but with the players they’ve got they should make it to the next round.
Prediction: Widnes Vikings 6-22 Leeds Rhinos
Castleford Tigers vs St Helens (Sat, 2:30pm)
This is the headline act of the weekend, and hopefully it will live up to that billing. Cas smashed Saints in this competition last season but things have certainly changed since then.
Injuries leave the Tigers in a bad place at the moment while Saints are winning games with ease, even without Ben Barba who should play in this one.
They will be as hungry to win the Cup as the league, and I fancy them to put a score on Castleford that makes a similar statement to that thrashing last year.
Prediction: Castleford Tigers 18-46 St Helens
Catalans Dragons vs Whitehaven (Sat, 2:30pm)
Catalans just about got the win at York in the last round, and I’m sure they won’t underestimate another League 1 team in Whitehaven.
Haven have done very well to make it this far and I’m sure they’ll give their all. However, trip to Perpignan is always tough and this one could be pretty unforgiving.
Prediction: Catalans Dragons 62-6 Whitehaven
Hull Kingston Rovers vs Wigan Warriors (Sun, 3:00pm)
Wigan have been in great form this season and will be eyeing this up as a good opportunity for silverware, after going so close last season.
Hull KR’s top priority is building some much-needed league form to avoid the Qualifiers, and they will be no match for the Warriors with the way they have been playing.
Prediction: Hull Kingston Rovers 12-32 Wigan Warriors
Toronto Wolfpack vs Warrington Wolves (Sun, 3:30pm)
This should certainly be an intriguing tie, as the Championship-leading, transatlantic Toronto take on Warrington in a battle of the Wolves.
Warrington have won their last nine; Toronto their last 11. Warrington were fantastic in their win over Leeds, while Toronto have won the last two handsomely.
Something will have to give, and Toronto surrendering home advantage might be the difference. The Wire can’t be complacent but they should get the job done.
Prediction: Toronto Wolfpack 18-30 Warrington Wolves
