2019 Rugby League Challenge Cup – St. Helens vs Halifax RLFC Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is St. Helens vs Halifax RLFC taking place? Saturday 27th July, 16:30
Where is St. Helens vs Halifax RLFC taking place? University of Bolton Stadium
What channel is St. Helens vs Halifax RLFC on in the UK? BBC Two
Where can I stream the match in the UK? This game can be streamed online via the BBC Sport website and app
Where can I get tickets for St. Helens vs Halifax RLFC? Tickets for the semi-final double-header can purchased here
THE TEAM NEWS
ST. HELENS
Head Coach: Justin Holbrook
Squad: Amor, Ashworth, Bentley, Costello, Fages, Grace, Knowles, Lees, Lomax, Makinson, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Naiqama, Paulo, Peyroux, Richardson, Roby, Smith, Thompson, Walmsley
Unavailable: Zeb Taia, Lachlan Coote
- St. Helens will come into this full of confidence despite losing to London last week as they hunt a league and cup double and they are huge favourites to progress as they face Championship side Halifax.
- Saints rested the majority of the side that will line-up in this contest with the likes of Jonny Lomax and Theo Fages set to return but the Super League leaders have suffered one injury blow this week.
- Fullback Lachlan Coote collected a knock against Wigan two weeks ago and will be missing once again here as head coach Justin Holbrook looks to protect one of his star men ahead of what lies in wait over the coming months.
HALIFAX RLFC
Head Coach: Simon Grix
Squad: Barber, Butler, Cooper, Fairbank, Fleming, Grix, Johnston, Kavanagh, Kaye, Larroyer, E. Moore, Morris, Murrell, Robinson, Saltonstall, Sharp, Tangata, Tyrer, Woodburn-Hall
Unavailable: Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e, Shane Grady, Harry Kidd
- Halifax have it all to do if they are to complete an unlikely route to the final after overcoming Bradford in the quarter-finals with them now facing the daunting prospect of facing runaway Super League leaders St. Helens.
- Scott Murrell is a doubt for Halifax after he was hospitalised with a back injury following a heavy tackle in his side's last game but has been named in the 19-man squad and will do everything possible to take to the field.
- Halifax are in relatively rude health but will be without fullback Quentin Laulu-Togaga’e with Simon Grix facing the difficult task of cutting his squad by two come gameday with those players set to miss out on what could be the biggest game of their careers.
THE PREDICTION
Halifax would have to pull off one of the greatest Challenge Cup upsets of all time to progress to the final with a daunting clash with St. Helens awaiting them in this semi-final. Saints rested most of their side in preparation for this game and should be able to win this one comfortably. The Championship team will be game but will find it difficult to live with the pace that Saints will play at and are likely to put in a ruthless display to ensure their progression to Wembley.
