Hull KR vs Catalans Dragons Preview & Prediction | 2025 Challenge Cup | Semi-Final
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The LNER Community Stadium in York plays host to this first Challenge Cup semi-final between Super League leaders Hull KR and Catalans Dragons.
Start date/time: Saturday May 10th 2025: UK – 2:30pm / US ET – 9:30am / US PT – 6:30am
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC One / US – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer / US – Unavailable online
Hull KR team news: Gildart makes the squad
Hull KR have been afforded a boost by the news that Oliver Gildart has been named in the squad despite a knee injury suffered last weekend. But whether he is passed fit to play a part in York remains to be seen. Tom Davies returns from an injury of his own, whilst both Joe Burgess and Kelepi Tanginoa are also back.
Squad: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Jared Warea-Hargreaves, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Jack Broadbent, Danny Richardson, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown, Lee Kershaw, Eribe Doro, Bill Leyland
Catalans Dragons team news: Tomkins won’t make it
Unfortunately for the Dragons, Sam Tomkins’ troublesome knee injury keeps him out of this semi-final, with an infection having worsened the problem. His leadership and quality will be hugely missed and Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet is likely to be tasked once again to fulfil Tomkins’ role on the pitch.
Squad: Tommy Makinson, Reimis Smith, Nick Cotric, Luke Keary, Tevita Pangai jnr, Ben Garcia, Julian Bousquet, Tariq Sims, Elliott Whitehead, Oli Partington, Alrix Da Costa, Chris Satae, Romain Navarrete, Bayley Sironen, Cesar Rouge, Paul Seguier, Jordan Dezaria, Theo Fages, Fouad Yaha, Matthie Laguerre, Guillermo Aispuro-Bichet
Hull KR vs Catalans Dragons prediction
Hull KR have been red hot throughout the season and sit eight points clear of Catalans Dragons in Super League. But of course, this is the Challenge Cup and anything can happen, especially at a neutral venue. These two clubs are yet to face off against each other this season, which adds further spice to the encounter.
It’s the potency of the Hull KR offensive that should give them the edge, whilst the absence of Tomkins on the Dragons’ side cannot be underestimated. An occasion such as this is one for the experienced heads to step up and to lose such an influential figure is so tough from their point of view, as was demonstrated in their defeat against Leigh Leopards on Magic Weekend.
On the back of having racked up over 100 points across their last three games in all competitions, Hull KR should be able to overwhelm this Dragons backline and the smart play would be backing them to reach the final.
Hull KR vs Catalans Dragons tip: Hull KR to win
