The business end of the Betfred Challenge Cup arrives on Saturday as all eyes turn east for a Hull-based double-header in the 2023 quarter-finals of the oldest and greatest cup competition in rugby league
Hull Kingston Rovers face Salford Red Devils before Hull FC host St Helens to decide the first two semi-finalists in this year's event as the Challenge Cup final returns to Wembley. Here is everything you need to know about Saturday's knockout bonanza.
Hull Kingston Rovers v Salford Red Devils
Where: Sewell Group Craven Park, Hull.
When: 12pm (BST)
TV: Viaplay Sports 1
Hull KR's route: Won 50-0 v Batley (Rd 6)
Salford's route: Won 42-40 v Huddersfield (Rd 6)
Hull KR's Challenge Cup record: Winners x1 (1980), Runners-up x6
Salford's Challenge Cup record: Winners x1 (1938), Runners-up x7
Betfred match winner odds (80 minutes): Hull KR 11/10, Salford 4/5, draw 18/1
Handicap betting (Hull KR +1.5): Hull KR 10/11, Salford 5/6
Previous meetings:
Round 6, 2019: Salford Red Devils 18, Hull Kingston Rovers 32
Round 6, 2017: Salford Red Devils 24, Hull Kingston Rovers 14
Round 5, 2011: Salford City Reds 0, Hull Kingston Rovers 25
Round 5, 2003: Hull Kingston Rovers 2, Salford City Reds 12
Quarter-Final, 1980/81: Hull Kingston Rovers 19, Salford 8
Total Challenge Cup meetings: 9 (Hull KR 4, Salford 4, one draw)
Rovers are having a bit of a time of it just getting a team on the field at the moment. Jordan Abdull has been ruled out for at least 12 weeks after suffering an injury just minutes into his comeback game against Catalans Dragons last week, while Sam Wood will be missing for a period of some months, effectively ending his time at Craven Park before heading to Castleford Tigers for 2024. There is also the potential early retirement of Lachlan Coote following his latest concussion issue at Magic Weekend. It all adds up to a worrying spell for Willie Peters, whose side have lost four straight in the league but did hammer Batley Bulldogs in their Round 6 cup tie.
Salford, on the other hand, are flying after stringing together eight wins in their last nine matches in all competitions. That included a high-scoring win over Huddersfield Giants in Round 6, while their league form has seen them climb from seventh to fourth in the Betfred Super League. Their much talked about spine has had a big say, but the finishing of Ken Sio and Joe Burgess, plus the hard yards put in by their forward pack - led by Rovers transfer target Tyler Dupree - deserves special mention.
Sportsman stat: The one draw between the two teams in Challenge Cup history was a 0-0 stalemate at Rovers' old Craven Park home on Holderness Road in March 1946. Remarkably, the shackles were soon off in the replay four days later, Salford winning 38-6 at The Willows.
Hull FC v St Helens
Where: MKM Stadium, Hull.
When: 2:30pm (BST)
TV: BBC One
Hull FC's route: Won 32-8 @ Castleford (Rd 6)
St Helens' route: Won 26-6 @ Halifax (Rd 6)
Hull FC's Challenge Cup record: Winners x5 (1914, 1982, 2005, 2016, 2017), Runners-up x12
St Helens' Challenge Cup record: Winners x13 (1956, 1961, 1966, 1972, 1976, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2021) Runners-up x10
Betfred match winner odds (80 minutes): Hull FC 13/5, St Helens 3/10, draw 22/1
Handicap betting (Hull FC +9.5): Hull FC 10/11, St Helens 5/6
Previous meetings:
Semi-Final, 2021: Hull FC 18, St Helens 33
Quarter-Final, 2018: St Helens 25, Hull FC 22
Round 6, 2016: St Helens 18, Hull FC 47
Final, 2008: Hull FC 16, St Helens 28
Semi-Final, 2005: Hull FC 34, St Helens 8
Total Challenge Cup meetings: 15 (Hull FC 4, St Helens 11, no draws)
Hull FC will be without their inspirational half-back Jake Clifford due to the RFL concussion protocols after suffering a head knock in last week's Super League defeat at Leigh Leopards, but Chris Satae does return for the Black and Whites. Tony Smith has overseen a mini revival at the MKM Stadium, with five wins in their last seven in all comps but Hull remain outsiders in this clash and are still six points adrift of play-off contention in the league.
Saints arrive in East Yorkshire on the back of five straight wins, most notably the massive Magic Weekend success over Huddersfield Giants and then last week's convincing derby victory over arch-rivals Wigan Warriors. Paul Wellens will be keen to keep his side firing on all cylinders as they look to add a ninth Challenge Cup triumph in the summer era to their honours as reigning World Club Challenge, Betfred Super League and League Leaders' Shield holders.
Sportsman stat: Hull FC's semi-final win over St Helens in 2005 broke a 69-year Challenge Cup duck against the Saints. The Black and Whites had lost eight straight ties against the Red Vee over that time period.
*18+ | BeGambleAware | Odds Subject to Change
