St. Helens vs Wigan Warriors Preview & Prediction | 2026 Challenge Cup | Semi-Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The Halliwell Jones Stadium plays host to these two bitter rivals as St. Helens face Wigan Warriors for a place in the Challenge Cup final.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC One / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer / USA – Cannot be streamed
St. Helens vs Wigan Warriors prediction
Despite halting a dismal recent run against a struggling Bradford Bulls side last time out, Wigan Warriors come into this semi-final in a far than ideal condition when considering the unavailability of numerous big players for them. Already without Bevan French and Liam Marshall, Matt Peet will also be missing Ethan Havard after he was handed a suspension. Despite being able to welcome back Harry Smith and Sam Walters from suspensions of their own, Wigan remain depleted with the missing personnel key to them losing four of their last five Super League games.
One of those losses was against St. Helens, who are red hot right now having won each of their last five in all competitions, most recently putting 40 points up against York Knights in a resounding victory. They’ll no doubt be fired up for this semi-final, with the memories of their incredible Super League comeback against the Warriors this season still fresh.
Wigan were winning comfortably at 24-10 away from home on Good Friday but Saints miraculously battled back to score four tries in the remaining 11 minutes of the match to win 34-24. It was a crazy end to a match that was controlled by Wigan for large parts but emphasised some of their fragility this season. Their form since then has been poor to say the least yet they come into this match as favourites.
St. Helens have their faults but without the likes of French in particular, Wigan will struggle to match the ability of Paul Rowley’s men to pile pressure on the backline like how we saw late in their Super League contest. Confidence is far high within the Saints’ camp and whilst a cup semi-final sees form thrown out of the window, St. Helens are better placed to come through and edge what should be another great game.
St. Helens vs Wigan Warriors tip: St. Helens to win
