“East stand” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by roblawton
WARRINGTON will face the Widnes Vikings in the quarter-finals of the Rugby League Challenge Cup On June 24th.
After a disappointing 2015 campaign, the Wolves have bounced back and look set to challenge on multiple fronts this year – especially now that Man of Steel contender Chris Sandow is back to full fitness and Ashton Sims is on the verge of returning after his suspension.
Tony Smith’s men have been on the fringes of a Grand Final triumph for quite some time. However, the Challenge Cup has been kind to Warrington in recent years. In fact, the Wolves lifted the famous trophy on three occasions during a four-year spell from 2009 to 2012. And, at the time of writing, you can currently back Warrington Wolves at 5/2 in Bet365’s latest Challenge Cup betting markets.
If truth be told, the Wire are almost unstoppable on their day and you’d have to fancy Warrington to get the better of Widnes later this month. The Vikings have been on a torrid run of form recently and have lost seven of their last eight fixtures against Tony Smith’s men.
If Widnes can raise their game, they have the players to hurt Warrington but the Wolves should be too strong in front of an expectant home crowd.
From there, it’s anybody’s guess. All eight of the remaining sides are strong and every side will fancy their chances of success. Warrington’s main contenders may be north west rivals Wigan Warriors, but current Super League leaders Hull FC are also likely to be strong towards the business end of the season. Right now, the Airlie Birds have the bit between their teeth and it’s hard to see Lee Radford’s men slipping up at home to the Catalans Dragons.
Here is the @Ladbrokes #ChallengeCup Quarter-final draw in full… pic.twitter.com/C9lDuYtsw0
— The Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) May 8, 2016
Ultimately, it is quite simple. If Warrington focus on their own game, they will win the Challenge Cup. On paper, they’re the strongest and most complete side in Super League and their unique brand of attacking, free-flowing rugby is on another level. They aren’t invincible just yet – as shown by their five defeats so far this season – but they are certainly well on the way to building a dynasty era at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Warrington have a real affinity with the Challenge Cup and Tony Smith knows the importance of bringing silverware back to the town. After a successful spell, Warrington have failed to push on and challenge for trophies and they must put that right this season. If not, they face a real challenge to stay with Super League’s elite franchises. But for now, the Challenge Cup is one of their top priorities and the Wire supporters will be hoping for yet another successful trip down to Wembley on the August Bank Holiday weekend.
