#ChallengeCup
With the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-finals kicking off tomorrow night, we take at a look at who could be the key players to watch in each of the four ties;
Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity
Plenty of potential game changers in this fixture…
The Red Devils look a much different team to the one who missed relegation from Super League by a matter of seconds in 2016. The likes of O’Brien, Welham and Murdoch-Masila have helped Ian Watson’s men climb the league table.
Wakefield have seen a resurgence under Chris Chester in 2017 with players such as Caton-Brown, Jones-Bishop, Kirmond and Williams all proving to be key parts of Wakefield’s upturn in form.
ONE TO WATCH: Robert Lui – a big powerful half capable of turning a game with quick feet or a barrelling run
WHAT A RUN! 🔴⚫
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) May 27, 2017
Even Tony Gigot couldn't stop @SalfordDevils' big man Robert Lui from scoring this 90m stunner 🃠pic.twitter.com/epPLjbtlfP
Leeds Rhinos v Featherstone Rovers
These two met in the Super 8s Qualifiers last year, a game which saw Leeds run out 62-6 victors.
The Rhinos look a different proposition in 2017 with Cuthbertson, Watkins and Parcell all leading by example. McDermott’s men have shown glimpses of their 2015 form this year and will be fighting for a Wembley return in August.
Featherstone have started the season strong under Jon Sharp as they look to make a return to the Super 8s Qualifiers again in 2017. Experienced heads like Darrell Griffin and Richard Moore are complimented by newer faces such as James Duckworth & Josh Hardcastle.
ONE TO WATCH: Joel Moon – arguably his best season in Super League, an impressive 17 tries in 17 games, including 4 in the Challenge Cup
Quality feet from Joel Moon 👌
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 17, 2017
The @LeedsRhinos​ centre shows the Hull FC backline a clean pair of heels on Friday pic.twitter.com/WnKlrDnv6I
Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors
Whilst some will be waiting with baited breath to see if Sam Tomkins & John Bateman make a return for the Cherry & White on Saturday, Wigan coach Shaun Wane has also hinted at returns for Anthony Gelling, Sean O’Loughlin and Liam Farrell.
Warrington will be looking for big performances from players like Stefan Ratchford, Ashton Sims and Tom Lineham as they look to salvage something from this season.
ONE TO WATCH: George Williams – A world-class playmaker with either ball in hand or from the boot
Two more class tries for @JoeBurgess1 🙌@England_RL​ half @George7Williams assisting both as @WiganWarriorsRL beat Catalans pic.twitter.com/CqUpI2egv8
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 25, 2017
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers
Castleford are in super hot form this year, averaging over 34 points scored a game in Super League. Greg Eden has bagged 33 tries in 19 games so far this season and is well on his way to smashing Denny Solomona's record of 40 tries in a Super League, set only last year. Eden has been very well assisted in his try scoring by Shenton, Gale and Hardaker, who all can turn a game.
Hull FC have pace all over the park this season with Kelly, Shaul, Fonua and even Liam Watts showing a clean pair of heels to many defensive lines. After tasting cup glory in 2016, Lee Radford's men will be seeking a reutrn to the Capital for this year's final.
ONE TO WATCH: Albert Kelly – pace, quick feet and great hands make him a real threat ths year
INTERCEPTION KING 👑
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) June 6, 2017
Albert Kelly takes the ball perfectly and goes all the way for @hullfcofficial pic.twitter.com/7HmDBBMkJC
The schedule for the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-finals is as follows:
Thursday June 15 – Salford Red Devils v Wakefield Trinity (Sky Sports, 8.00pm kick-off)
Friday June 16 – Leeds Rhinos v Featherstone Rovers (Sky Sports, 8.00pm kick-off)
Saturday June 17 – Warrington Wolves v Wigan Warriors (BBC One, 3.00pm kick-off)
Sunday June 18 – Hull FC v Castleford Tigers (BBC Two, 3.00pm kick-off)
The semi-final draw will also be broadcast on BBC Two on Sunday following the completion of Hull FC v Castleford Tigers.
