With the Wembley Finalists confirmed for the Betfred Men’s and Women’s Challenge Cups, we’ve taken a look at the standouts stats from the four fantastic semi-finals this weekend...
(All stats provided by Opta)
Wigan Warriors Women became the first team to book their place in the 2025 Women’s Challenge Cup following Saturday’s double-header in York.
The Warriors stunned last year’s finalists Leeds Rhinos with a truly shimmering display and reached their first ever Women’s Challenge Cup Final. It will also be their first ever appearance at Wembley Stadium.
Impressively, ten Wiganers made over 100 metres on Saturday, with Player of the Match Grace Banks the game’s top metre maker with 243.
Mary Coleman starred in a collective team performance, emerging as the side’s top tackler with 32 tackles, and ran 201 metres with the most runs at 19.
This was in a sensational 55-minute stint on what was also her 50th appearance in the Cherry & White.
Out of the nine Warriors tries scored, Anna Davies completed an early 11-minute double, whilst Banks bagged a brace.
In defeat, Bethan Dainton consistently topped the stats for the Rhinos with 32 tackles, 210 metres and 22 runs.
In Saturday’s second semi-final, Hull KR continued to show the way for the other teams as their stellar second half showing ensured victory over Catalans Dragons to book their place in the Challenge Cup Final.
Brilliant Jack Broadbent stole the show for the Robins with two game-breaking tries, 280 metres and six tackle busts – that’s 58 metres more than any other player on the pitch!
Teammates Tom Davies and Peta Hiku made the next most metres – 222 and 199 respectively, whilst Dean Hadley produced a mammoth defensive stint with 45 tackles.
Magic Mikey Lewis came up with a personal 16-point haul, including a try and six successful conversions.
The determined Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel controlled the game phenomenally with his trademark attacking prowess. Lewis produced 17 kicks in play with a total of 576 kicking metres, ran for 130 metres with six tackle busts, and produced one try assist and 13 tackles, as the Robins bobbed on back to Wembley.
On Sunday in St Helens, Saints Women fought hard against York Valkyrie to reach Wembley for a third successive time – and now have the chance to defend their Challenge Cup title for a fifth consecutive year.
In one of the tighest games of defence, captain Jodie Cunningham led by example with 39 tackles (the most by any Saint), as well as 229 metres – the highest of any player in this women's semi-final.
Closely behind is Shona Hoyle and her stats – Hoyle raced a total of 216 metres on Sunday, and scored Saints' sole yet crucial score of the afternoon.
Liv Wood of the Valkyrie stood tall with 42 tackles.
There was just one try apiece on the day, with possession weighing out at Saints 54% to York's 46%.
Warrington Wolves then ensured that they would be back-to-back Challenge Cup Finalists with a breathtaking victory over Leigh Leopards.
It was an end-to-end thriller and yet another masterclass from maverick Matt Dufty who had great responsibility on Sunday.
The Warrington fullback racked up 269 metres in just 20 runs, made eight tackle busts, and provided the crucial try assist to the match-winning score – a cut-out pass to Toby King which sent Wire through to Wembley once more.
An experienced Marc Sneyd, who made his swift return from injury, helped guide the Wolves around the park and had a perfect and characteristically 100% record with the boot.
Adam Holroyd and Stefan Ratchford produced 30 tackles each - although Robbie Mulhern's efforts must also be noted. Mulhern made 118 metres and 41 tackles for the Leopards in 57 minutes.
Expect the Unexpected in the Betfred Challenge Cups!
Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 7 June is a triple-header featuring the finals of the Betfred Challenge Cup (Men’s and Women’s), alongside the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final. Tickets are on sale now!
