Another weekend of Rugby League is upon us, and the spotlight moves away from Super League for a week, as the quarter-finals of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup take place. After Widnes booked their place in the semi-finals last night by defeating Keighley, six other teams are battling it out for three spots in the last four – including Championship side Leigh Centurions.
If you are going to a game this weekend – or simply looking to watch the action unfold on TV – then why not familiarize yourself with the history, the stats and the potential milestones surrounding all six teams in action this weekend? This is our exclusive ‘Stats Zone’, where we try to prepare you as best as possible for the action each and every week!
Leeds Rhinos v Leigh Centurions – Friday, 8:00pm
Leigh’s last victory over Leeds in the Challenge Cup came in the 1971 Final at Wembley.
Friday’s game is the first Cup meeting between the sides at Headingley since Leigh emerged victorious, 17-16, from a 1962 second round replay.
Danny McGuire is just 12 points away from 100 in the Challenge Cup (88 for Leeds, 2003-2006, 2008, 2010 & 2012-2014) (all from tries)
Leigh’s Ryan Brierley has scored tries in his side’s last six games (3-1-2-1-1-1).
Wigan Warriors v Castleford Tigers – Saturday, 2:30pm
Saturday’s game is the first Challenge Cup meeting between Wigan and Castleford at the DW Stadium.
The Warriors have won their last four Cup meetings with the Tigers, with Castleford’s last win against Wigan in the competition coming in the 1986 Quarter Final at Central Park. Castleford went on to win the trophy that season (the last time the club won the Challenge Cup), after defeating Hull KR 15-14 at Wembley.
Since 1992, the two sides have contested two other semi-final dates (2002 and 1994) and one final (1992) – Wigan have won all three meetings.
Liam Finn is just seven points away from 150 in the Challenge Cup. He scored 12 for Dewsbury in 2006 and 2008, and 131 for Featherstone between 2010-2013.
Bradford Bulls v Warrington Wolves – Sunday, 3:30pm
Warrington have only won three of their last ten Challenge Cup meetings with Bradford – but on all occasions have gone on to reach the Final at Wembley (1990, 2010 & 2012).
Jamie Foster needs 18 points to reach 1,000 for his career. His total of 982 has been scored as follows: 618 for St Helens (2010-2012 – 34 tries, 241 goals), 110 for Hull FC (2012 – 5 tries, 45 goals) and 254 for Bradford (2013-2014 – 13 tries, 101 goals).
Ryan Atkins needs four tries to reach a century of touchdowns for Warrington. Atkins has scored 96 tries in 137 appearances for the Wolves since 2010.
Luke Gale is just two points away from 100 in the Challenge Cup. Those 98 points have come for Doncaster (26), Harlequins (27) and Bradford (45).
Both Jamie Foster and Chris Bridge are two goals away from 50 in the Challenge Cup, having kicked 48 each so far in the game’s oldest cup competition.
Tetley’s Challenge Cup 2014 – Leading Scorers
Tries
1 Justin Carney (Castleford Tigers) 7 (right)
2 = James Mendeika (Featherstone Rovers) 5
Rob Worrincy (Halifax) 5
4 = Dalton Grant (Barrow Raiders) 4
Luke Gale (Bradford Bulls) 4
Lee Waterman (Doncaster) 4
Danny Maun (Hunslet Hawks) 4
Richie Barnett (Keighley Cougars) 4
Ryan Brierley (Leigh Centurions) 4
Anthony Bowman (Swinton Lions) 4
Chris Bridge (Warrington Wolves) 4
Joe Burgess (Wigan Warriors) 4
Brett Carter (Workington Town) 4
Points
1 Dominic Brambani (Sheffield Eagles) 48
2 Chris Bridge (Warrington Wolves) 44
3 = Ryan Brierley (Leigh Centurions) 40
Stewart Sanderson (Doncaster) 40
Matty Smith (Wigan Warriors) 40
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