2019 Rugby League Challenge Cup – Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC taking place? Saturday 27th July, 14:00
Where is Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC taking place? University of Bolton Stadium
What channel is Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC on in the UK? BBC One
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 Warrington Wolves vs Hull FC? Tickets for the semi-final double-header can purchased here - https://rugbyleague.tickethour.co.uk
THE TEAM NEWS
WARRINGTON WOLVES
Head Coach: Steve Price
Squad: Austin, Burrell, Charnley, D. Clark, J. Clark, Cooper, Currie, Davis, Goodwin, Hill, Hughes, King, Lineham, Livett, Mamo, Murdoch-Masila, Patton, Philbin, Tasi
Unavailable: Kevin Brown, Stefan Ratchford, Ben Westwood, Sitaleki Akauola
- Warrington edged out Hull KR in their quarter-final clash as they moved a step closer to returning to Wembley for the third straight year but come into this game on the back of two consecutive league defeats.
- The Wolves will be without Sitaleki Akauola due to suspension but do have Ben Murdoch-Masila back from injury as he provides their forward ranks with a boost ahead of this huge tie.
- Having named a 21-man squad last week, Steve Price has named the traditional 19 this week with Danny Walker, Luis Johnson and Pat Moran all making way with Murdoch-Masila the only new face.
HULL FC
Head Coach: Lee Radford
Squad: Bowden, Connor, Ellis, Faraimo, Fash, Green, Griffin, Houghton, Kelly, Lane, Manu, Minichiello, Naulago, Paea, Shaul, Sneyd, Taylor, Tuimavave, Westerman
Unavailable: Matty Dawson-Jones, Andre Savelio
- Hull FC have enjoyed success against two Super League teams to get to the semi-final thanks to wins over Castleford and Catalans and come into this lift in a buoyant mood after defeating Leeds at Headingley last week.
- Albert Kelly has been passed fit for Hull which will give head coach Lee Radford a selection dilemma over the make-up of his side with only two players remaining on the sidelines through injury.
- Dean Hadley is the man to make way from last week’s 19-man squad to accommodate Kelly with Chris Green also looking like he will not feature but there is plenty of competition for the remaining few places in the side.
THE PREDICTION
These two teams are well-matched with second in the Super League table meeting third in this Challenge Cup semi-final clash. There is little separating the two ahead of this contest but it should be a tight game whichever way it goes. For Warrington, this presents a chance to reach a third consecutive Challenge Cup final whilst Hull will be looking to claim the trophy for the third time in four years and with that big-game winning mentality behind them, the black and whites can be the ones to progress to Wembley.
