Hull KR, Catalans Dragons, Warrington Wolves and Leigh Leopards all head into the weekend knowing they are just 80 minutes away from booking their place in the Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
All four sides have reached Rugby League’s most historic final within the last decade, so will know exactly how and what it means to get to the big stage…
Hull KR v Catalans Dragons (14.30) - BBC One
On Saturday, there will be Challenge Cup action taking place at a SOLD OUT LNER Community Stadium in York, where Hull KR and Catalans Dragons will battle it out for the first Men's Challenge Cup Final place on offer.
Both sides have reached Challenge Cup Finals and Betfred Super League Grand Finals in recent seasons, which sets up an exciting showdown in North Yorkshire.
High flying Hull KR, who are currently leading the way at the top of the Super League, have now established themselves as genuine contenders and are seeking their first Wembley appearance since a pulsating 2023 final, in which they fell agonisingly short against Leigh Leopards.
The Robins have managed to reach two Challenge Cup Finals throughout the last decade – and 2025 marks ten years since they featured in the 2015 final.
But they are still awaiting their first piece of silverware since 1985, and for their first Challenge Cup honour since 1980…
They are well on their way, however, having beaten their nearest and dearest Hull FC in the quarters and come into this cup tie at the top of the Super League table.
Meanwhile, Catalans haven’t had their hands on the famous cup since 2018. The Dragons defeated Warrington Wolves 20-14 to lift their maiden Challenge Cup trophy and become competition history makers – and have since gone on to prove they can compete at the top.
Steve McNamara helped to mastermind this historic victory – but can he do it all again in 2025?
Saturday’s tie will be Hull KR’s fourth consecutive semi-final, whilst the Dragons haven’t been a part of the final four since the same year they won the Challenge Cup.
The French side seized the opportunity against Salford Red Devils in the quarters - and will be no doubt raring to go this weekend, especially with what's at stake.
It will be Hull KR and Catalans' first meeting of 2025 and it was one apiece in the league last year.
They haven’t met in the Challenge Cup competition since a 2015 Quarter Final, in which Hull KR won 32-26 and marched on to a Wembley appearance.
Both teams enter this cup match in fine form. Hull KR are in an excellent position and will be hoping to go one step further and win a final in 2025, with Catalans coming into this game on the back of four wins in their last five matches and continuing to climb.
Who will want it more and which side will make their return to Wembley?
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards (16.15) - BBC Two
The second semi-final on Sunday will see Warrington Wolves versus Leigh Leopards at the Totally Wicked Stadium. The teams will meet for the second time in a matter of weeks, having last played one another in Rivals Round.
Rivals Round cooked up a feisty contest, with the Leopards pipping an 18-14 victory.
They’ve had eleven Challenge Cup meetings in history, with their last one taking place in 2015.
Warrington are seeking back-to-back Wembley appearances, whilst the Leopards are hoping for a return to the capital for the first time since 2023.
The Wolves were defeated 18-8 by a formidable Wigan Warriors in last year's final and haven't been the cup holders since 2019 when they beat St Helens.
The Leopards, on the other hand, lifted the trophy just two years ago - after Lachlan Lam’s last-gasp drop goal sealed the win in dramatic fashion.
Fast forward to 2025 and they are just one step away from another appearance there.
Leigh beat Wakefield in a pulsating Quarter-Final last month, whilst Warrington ran riot against St Helens – both with scorelines of 20-12.
It's set to be a scintillating showdown in Sunday's semi, but who will be a Wembley Finalist come the end of it?
Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cup!
Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final ties:
Hull KR v Catalans Dragons - Saturday 10 May, (K.O. 2:30pm) - BBC One
Warrington Wolves v Leigh Leopards - Sunday 11 May (K.O. 4:15pm) - BBC Two
*The men's semi-final ties are part of double headers with the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Saturday 7 June is Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day 2025 – also including the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final, and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final. Tickets are on sale now!
