Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Semis throw up pair of thrilling plotlines

We’re down to the final four in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup, as Hull FC face Leeds Rhino and Salford Red Devils take on Wigan Warriors, with the former looking to end their 79-year wait for this trophy.

Ahead of these two mammoth clashes, we’ve taken a look at the fascinating backstory between the sides in question. And there’s more at stake here than just the huge prize of a place in the Challenge Cup Final.

Leeds looking to continue stranglehold on Hull

When Leeds came out of the hat in the semi-final draw, Lee Radford and co. will likely have felt more than a little gloomy. Despite a superb campaign last term which peaked with the Airlie Birds lifting this trophy, they still couldn’t overcome the Rhinos in this fixture.

That trend has continued in 2017, with the Headingley club having now won their last five meetings against the Airlie Birds. And home advantage won’t help Hull too much, having lost four in a row against this opposition on their own patch.

However, the last two meetings have both been very close, meaning we like the 11/2 on offer for Leeds to win by 1-5 points.

Salford captain returns to scene of his heroics

Only once in their 21-year stint in Super League have Wigan Warriors seriously faced the threat of relegation – back in 2006. But one man who stepped up and proved crucial in their survival was Michael Dobson…current Salford captain.

The Australian has obviously faced his former employers a number of times since, having left Wigan at the end of that season. But as the Red Devils’ leader as they look to reach a first Challenge Cup Final since 1969, this is surely the 31-year-old’s biggest ever assignment against his former club.

Salford are 15/8 underdogs for victory, but as they proved in last year’s Million Pound Game, Ian Watson’s side don’t know when they’re beaten.

Click here for the latest Ladbrokes Challenge Cup odds.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing