Betfred Challenge Cup predictions and rugby league tips: Wigan set for success

Free rugby league tips, best bets and analysis for the Betfred Challenge Cup in 2021.

Where to watch

Hull v Castleford 6pm Friday
York v Wigan 7.45pm Friday, watch on YouTube or Facebook

Best bets

Wigan
3pts 3-1 general
Hull
1.5pts each-way 15-2 Hills

Preview

Fish & chips, Morecambe & Wise, Wigan & the Challenge Cup - all pairings that for many go hand in hand.

The Cherry & Whites ruled Wembley from 1988 to 1995, winning an extraordinary eight finals on the trot and providing the old stadium with some of its most enduring cup final memories, such as Martin Offiah’s stunning length-of-the-field try in the 1994 final against Leeds.

Wigan have twice triumphed at the new national stadium - beating Leeds in 2011 and Hull on a rain-soaked afternoon two years later to claim a record-extending 19th cup crown.

But their victory over the Airlie Birds eight years ago is the last time the Warriors got their hands on the famous trophy, something their coach Adrian Lam and his squad are determined to rectify this season.

With the 12 Super League clubs entering at the last-16 stage, just four wins stand between the top-tier dozen and Wembley glory so a favourable fourth-round draw is a definite advantage.

Wigan are one of the lucky four in that regard - alongside Hull, Warrington and Salford - as they take on Championship side York on Friday night.

Lam’s men came a cropper in the last four last term as they ran into an inspired Leeds display at the Totally Wicked Stadium and only a scarcely-believable final-play ending to the Grand Final denied Wigan the Super League title this year.

The League Leader’s Shield was scant consolation for their efforts in 2020 and Lam’s well-balanced squad will be desperate to get their hands on some major silverware this term.

One of the current holders of the game’s two most-coveted prizes won’t be in the hat for the quarter-finals, with second-favourites and Super League champions St Helens drawn against reigning cup kings Leeds in the last 16.

Saints are a champion side who can never be written off but the cup has not been a happy hunting ground for the Red Vee in recent years with just one final appearance to their name since the last of three Challenge Cup victories in a row in 2008.

Leeds’s 17-16 triumph over Salford last year was their third taste of Wembley glory in the past decade and the Rhinos have also reached two further finals but it may pay to wait to see if they overcome the significant hurdle of the Saints if you do fancy them to retain their crown.

Warrington and their expensively-assembled squad are sure to have their backers and the Wolves certainly have Wembley pedigree having climbed the winners' steps four times since 2009.

However, there has been a lot to like about the way Hull have begun the new campaign and they could be an alternative selection to focus on. The Airlie Birds are under new management this season in the shape of former Man of Steel and cup winner Brett Hodgson, who appears to have instilled a clinical streak into the West Hull club.

Former New South Wales playmaker Josh Reynolds has added a new dynamic to their halves play and mercurial England international Jake Connor has already hinted in the opening two rounds of Super League that he could flourish by the move to full-back.

Throw in the steady hand of two-time Lance Todd Trophy winner Marc Sneyd, who steered Hull to back-to-back Wembley wins in 2016 and 2017, plus an uncompromising forward unit, and there is much to like about the Black & Whites.

Reynolds will miss Hull’s third-round tie against second-tier Featherstone but may be in contention for the quarter-finals on May 8-9.

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