The Super League clubs have joined the race for Wembley! The Third Round of the famous old competition see’s 8 ties take place, with the 16 sides knowing they are just 4 wins from history. There’s a number of eye catching games, none more so than the champions taking on the holders. The Matchday FM Rugby League have had their say on who will progress.
HEADLINE ACT
St Helens Vs Leeds Rhinos
Chris
This is the headline tie for sure. The Super League Champions against the Challenge Cup holders. Saints have started in typically efficient and imposing fashion, conceding just 1 try in their two games. Leeds have claimed a decent win over Wakefield before falling to derby defeat against Castleford, and are missing several key men. Saints just look imperious already and I think they’ll win this tie too. Prediction: St Helens
Kieran
On paper it’s the tie of the round and, even though I tipped Leeds for a good season and they are the current holders, I fancy Saints to get the job done - it could be close though. Prediction: St Helens
Rob
St Helens have been too good in recent games. Leeds have not. St Helens win this by the simple equation of St Helens are better than Leeds. Prediction: St Helens
Hull KR vs Castleford Tigers
Kieran
Hull KR were taught a lesson scoring 0 points in their loss against St Helens and I think Super League survival is more important to them than Challenge Cup glory. On the other hand, Castleford have had a sensational start to Daryl Powell’s final season in charge beating both Warrington and Leeds. I think the Tigers win this comfortably. Prediction: Castleford
Chris, prediction: Castleford
Rob, prediction: Castleford
York City Knights Vs Wigan
Chris
York are set to be one of the leading lights in the Championship this season after a number of high profile recruits. But the City Knights didn’t start the new league season with a win, falling to defeat against highly fancied Toulouse so no real shame in that. Wigan, after a shaky opening victory over Leigh, they showed real quality against Wakefield. You’d expect them to do the same here, but don’t bet against it being a tight first hour. The final 20 will be when Wigan take firm control and progress. Prediction: Wigan
Kieran, prediction: Wigan
Rob, prediction: Wigan
Salford Red Devils Vs Widnes Vikings
Kieran
The Vikings have gone quiet since their departure from Super League while Richard Marshall’s reign at Salford hasn’t started well despite his fluent style. I think this is the closest to an upset we could get so I’m going for the underdogs Widnes for a bit of jeopardy. Prediction: Widnes
Rob
Salford got battered last time out against Hull FC, but Widnes are a league below and drew with Newcastle in thier opening league fixture. I can see this being a Salford win, but I couldn’t tell you if it’s going to be close or a cricket score. Prediction: Salford
Chris, prediction: Salford
Catalan Dragons Vs Wakefield Trinity
These two met in the revised 6th round last season, with the Dragons winning on that occasion...
Kieran
Wakefield were good for 40 minutes against Wigan before being blown away by the Warriors in the second half, while Catalans are two from two without being spectacular. For that reason I will edge towards the French side progressing. Prediction: Catalans
Chris, prediction: Catalans
Rob, prediction: Catalans
Featherstone Rovers Vs Hull FC
Chris
Both these sides have started with 2 wins from two. Featherstone have a cup win and a league win under their belt while FC have two excellent Super League wins to their name. Again, Fev will give Hull a right good go for at least a half, maybe even an hour. But FC’s start quality will shine through to help them to the win, and maybe set them back off on the road to another Wembley final. Prediction: Hull FC
Rob
I’m sorry Featherstone fans, I’d love to see a cup upset against one of the big teams. However, Hull are just too good at the minute, sorry. Prediction: Hull FC
Kieran, prediction: Hull FC
Swinton Lions Vs Warrington Wolves
Chris
This tie is daunting enough for Swinton, but Greg Inglis could well be involved which makes it a very difficult prospect indeed. But I’m sure they’ll give it a right good go and Wire will know they’ve been in a battle. But the Wire will progress comfortably in the end. Prediction: Warrington
Rob
Similar to Featherstone Vs Hull FC, I think Warrington are too powerful here and are there hints that Inglis will be returning? Either way, the gulf in class could be a little too noticeable here. Prediction: Warrington
Kieran, prediction: Warrington
Leigh Centurions Vs Hudderfield Giants
Chris caught up with Leigh boss John Duffy pre match, and asked him if the tie with Huddersfield came at a good time...
Kieran
Both have lost two from two but there have been positives from those defeats. I’m just going to go for Huddersfield in a close, scrappy encounter because I think Leigh, like Hull KR, will prioritise Super League survival. Prediction: Huddersfield
Rob
This is the one that I have no idea about. Leigh has quite a few injuries, but they have a couple of names returning in the middle. Huddersfield has been a little lacklustre as well, but their game is slowly improving. On a positive note for Leigh they have won the cup in 1921 and 1971, fifty years later is 2021, are the hands of time about to repeat themselves? Prediction: Leigh
Chris, prediction: Leigh
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