Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR Preview & Prediction | 2026 Challenge Cup | Final
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The 21-time Challenge Cup winners Wigan Warriors and defending champions Hull KR are set to do battle under the arch at Wembley Stadium.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC One / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer / USA – SuperLeague+
Wigan Warriors team news: French back in dramatic twist
The big news for Wigan Warriors is that superstar Bevan French has been named in their squad after having been ruled out since early March with a hamstring injury. Also available is captain Liam Farrell, who has shaken off a calf problem.
Squad: Jai Field, Zach Eckersley, Adam Keighran, Jake Wardle, Bevan French, Harry Smith, Ethan Havard, Brad O’Neill, Luke Thompson, Junior Nsemba, Liam Farrell, Kaide Ellis, Sam Walters, Patrick Mago, Ollie Partington, Jack Farrimond, Sam Eseh, Tom Forber, Kian McDermott, Taylor Kerr, Noah Hodkinson
Hull KR team news: Batchelor returns just in time
Cup holders Hull KR have been handed some positive injury news of their own, with James Batchelor fit to be included in the squad after missing time due to a head injury, whilst both Dean Hadley and Karl Lawton have passed fitness tests.
Squad: Tom Davies, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Joe Burgess, Mikey Lewis, Tyrone May, Sauaso Sue, Jez Litten, Tom Amone, Dean Hadley, James Batchelor, Elliot Minchella, Jack Broadbent, Sam Luckley, Jai Whitbread, Rhyse Martin, Jack Brown, Karl Lawton, Jordan Dezaria, Noah Booth, Bill Leyland
Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR prediction
All the ingredients are in place for what should be a cracking final between an inconsistent Wigan Warriors, who just know how to win on the big occasion and Hull KR, an unstoppable force under Willie Peters over the past year. Hull KR had started the season poorly despite winning the World Cup Challenge, but have since won each of their last nine in all competitions, including a 62-4 pounding of Wigan most recently in Super League.
However, that result was lop-sided due to Matt Peet resting almost his entire first team in preparation for this game. All the big guns will be back for the Challenge Cup final and non-bigger than French, who would be a true difference-maker if fit enough to play. The Warriors’ defence has been excellent in recent weeks against strong opposition, nilling St. Helens in the semi-finals, before holding Leeds Rhinos to just four points. They’ll need to be at their absolute best to nullify this Hull KR offense, who have racked up over 45 points in five of their last seven matches.
Expect this encounter to be more low-scoring than what you would normally expect when it comes to games involving Hull KR. Last season’s Super League Grand Final between these two sides is worth thinking about when judging the outcome in this year’s Challenge Cup. Willie Peters’ men made a huge statement back then at Old Trafford, beating Wigan 24-6 in a big final.
Such a result will inspire a lot of confidence and belief from the Hull KR squad ahead of their latest showdown at Wembley. Even with French back in the fold for Wigan, Hull KR’s unrelenting offense should be what propels them to victory and a successful retention of the Challenge Cup.
Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR tip: Hull KR to win
