Rugby League: Carnegie Challenge Cup preview

It's back to Carnegie Challenge Cup action this week, as the last 16 clash over three days.

The 11 remaining Super League clubs are joined by five from the National Leagues, with either Dewsbury or Oldham guaranteed a place in the quarter-finals.

Saturday

St Helens v Warrington 3pm

Warrington have not beaten Saints in 22 matches and the Wolves' run last year was ended by the Knowsley Road men at the quarter-final stage.

Their tie this time around is the clash of the round, both coming off victories in Millennium Magic last weekend.

However, don't expect anything other than a Saints victory - their display against Wigan last week was superb and the best punters can hope for is Warrington to keep within the handicap.

Watch for a Warrington penalty (6-1 SkyBet) early on - Lee Briers will try to slow the pace of the game and take any opportunity to get the Wolves on the scoreboard.

Sunday

Barrow v Wakefield 3pm

Wakefield will be favourites in this one, but Barrow should not be taken lightly after winning their opening five National League Two games at an average score of 40-10.

However, the two-division gap will be too much to bridge, especially with Danny Brough in the form of his life.

Expect Wakefield to run away in this one and cover the 30-point handicap.

Bradford v Catalans Dragons 3pm

Catalans are unbeaten now in two months since a 20-18 loss to Bradford on March 8, a run which has taken them to second in Super League.

They battled from behind to edge out Harlequins last weekend, and in Thomas Bosc have one of the in-form players at present.

They receive 12 points on the handicap coupon against a Bulls side reeling from their defeat to Leeds last week, and that looks good value in this one unless the Bulls get on top around the ruck area.

Justin Murphy has scored in his last three games for the Dragons and watch out for his danger out wide this time around.

Dewsbury v Oldham 3pm

This is an intriguing clash between NL1 strugglers Dewsbury and impressive NL2 outfit Oldham, who receive 12 points on the handicap.

The Rams have lost their opening six league matches, while Oldham have won five out of six - but this will be their biggest test facing higher-level opposition.

Look out for the Lancastrians taking victory on the coupon, if not outright, in this clash.

Harlequins RL v Leeds 3pm

Quins receive 12 points on the coupon in this one, but were drubbed 48-0 the last time they met Leeds and have let winning leads slip in the past two weeks - much to the frustration of coach Brian McDermott.

Leeds , though, were sensational against Bradford last week, scoring a string of brilliant long-range tries and showing that the young stars coming through their ranks are more than able of stepping into the breach.

A dry, firm pitch in London should aid the Super League leaders, who are 5-2 favourites for the title (StanJames.com) and should comfortably cover the 12-point handicap here.

Hull KR v Huddersfield 1.15pm

The Robins produced another fine display in seeing off Hull in Cardiff last week, and should win Sunday's televised contest at home to Huddersfield.

The Giants have suffered narrow defeats in their past four Super League games, most agonisingly when they let a 22-6 half-time lead slip against Warrington last week.

They drew 24-all on their last visit to Craven Park, but Rovers are gaining form and momentum.

Jamahl Lolesi is missing for the Giants, and he will be missed out wide against the potent strike threat of Jake Webster, Chev Walker, Daniel Fitzhenry and Peter Fox - all try scorers last week.

SkyBet offer a tempting 6-1 on Huddersfield repeating last week's defeat by leading at half-time before coming out on the wrong side of the result.

Widnes v Hull 3pm

Widnes receive 20 points on the handicap coupon, but this could be the day that Hull get a confidence boosting victory.

The Airlie Birds have struggled with injuries this season and suffered a derby defeat to Hull KR last week - but are showing glimpses of their ability and should take victory here.

Monday

Wigan v Whitehaven 7.30pm

The Warriors are still reeling from last week's derby trouncing by St Helens, but have only lost once on home soil this season.

They ran in 74 points against Pia in the last round, and now have Trent Barrett nearing full fitness again.

Wigan are without Kiwi scrum-half Thomas Leuluai, and may struggle to overcome a hefty 36-point handicap (SkyBet) against a Whitehaven side who gained a good win over Leigh last week and will be looking to impress on their big day out.

Date Posted: 09/05/08