Saints-Wigan derby & rematch of 2025 final - Challenge Cup semi preview

"We understand what it means to the towns and to our supporters, and we're embracing it as well."

Whereas Wigan's form has been up and down in 2026, St Helens are on a five-game winning streak, starting with that dramatic derby win over the Warriors.

Not that that is a prime indicator of how they will do when they meet Wigan again, according to Jonny Lomax.

"Sometimes form is irrelevant, it's about the team on the day and that's even more so when it is a semi-final," the St Helens stand-off told BBC Sport.

"Form kind of goes out the window - you hear it a lot with the romance of the cup. It's only added to [the romance] because of the derby. It's who's up for it on the day, isn't it?"

Injury-hit Warrington target holders Hull KR

Will it be a case of third time's the charm for Sam Burgess' Warrington?

Under his stewardship, Warrington have reached the past two Challenge Cup finals.

But if they are to reach Wembley again they will have to get past last year's victors Hull KR.

The Wire have a number of high-profile absentees, including captain George Williams' lengthy absence with a neck injury, while full-back Cai Taylor-Wray is out for six weeks with an ankle problem.

"The past couple of times we've played each other, barring last year's final, we've been pretty decimated and we're missing some key guys," Burgess told BBC Sport.

"But we'll be ready for a good contest on Sunday and I'm looking forward to Hull KR at their best."

Warrington have lost their past five games in a row against Hull KR and Burgess suggested he might have to lean on the younger members of his squad.

"I think it's nice to have some young lads in there, sort of the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the contest and everything that comes with it," Burgess added.

"I think that's always exciting as well, seeing the younger players go through these weeks. It's exciting for them and the build-ups are good to watch, but certainly the experienced boys need to stand up this weekend."

Figure caption,

Lewis converts late Davies try to win Challenge Cup for Hull KR

As for Hull KR, last season's final was the beginning of a historic run of trophies which culminated in them ending 2025 with the treble.

Tom Davies' dramatic late try at Wembley lit the touchpaper and guided them to the Challenge Cup in June before the Robins wrapped up the League Leaders' Shield and Super League Grand Final before the year was out.

They followed that up with the World Club Challenge in February, defeating NRL Premiers Brisbane Broncos, and a trip to Las Vegas where they lost to Leeds.

And Willie Peters' side come into their meeting with Warrington off the back of a six-game winning run in all competitions since a defeat by Catalans in March.

This is Peters' final Challenge Cup campaign before he departs to join newly formed NRL side Papua New Guinea Chiefs, but he said he would approach the tie like any other despite his impending exit.

"Every year I've had the same desire. The players have had the same desire and nothing's changed. We know what's in front of us," he told BBC Radio Humberside.

"It's a competition that's rich in history. It's one that we respect and to be able to play at Wembley, it's a huge honour for the players and the staff to be involved with, so we obviously want to get there."