Challenge Cup semi-final injury news, squad announcements and broadcast details

Welcome to Squad Watch here on Loves Rugby Leaguebringing you the latest news on the Challenge Cup teams ahead of the semi-finals in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

In two double-headers in this weekend’s Challenge Cup action, with seven different clubs involved.

Here’s the latest squad news in Squad Watch…

Saturday 18th May – Eco-Power Stadium, Doncaster

Women’s: St Helens v York Valkyrie (11.15am, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button)

Saints – who are looking to book a second consecutive trip to Wembley – beat the same opponents at this stage of the competition last year en route to lifting the Challenge Cup for a third year running.

Meanwhile, York have already beaten the Red V this year in the Women’s Super League, with former Saint Carrie Roberts scoring the winning try for the Valkyries in a 20-16 victory.

St Helens: Salihi, McColm, E. Stott, Burke, Harris, Gaskin, Whitfield, Jones, Crowl, Travis, Rudge, Cunningham, Williams, D. Stott, Birchall, Mottershead, Hook, Taylor, Williams, Sutherland, Woosey

York: Team to be confirmed

READ THE FOLLOWING: St Helens’ Tara Jones details the history-making ambition to pave the way

Men: Hull KR v Wigan Warriors (Saturday, 1.45pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer)

In another replay of last year’s semi-finals, KR boss Willie Peters is forced to make two changes to his squad following their defeat at Warrington last time out due to a pair of players who are cup-tied.

Recent recruits Jack Brown and Jack Broadbent are ineligible so are replaced in the Robins’ 21 by youngsters Reiss Butterworth and Louix Gorman. Notably, captain Elliot Minchella is named as having missed last week’s matchday through injury.

There is just one change to the 21 for opponents Wigan and it is also enforced, with the suspended Liam Byrne replaced by Ryan Hampshire.

With Wigan opting not to appeal against Byrne’s two-match ban following last weekend’s win at Huddersfield Giants, the prop will miss this semi-final tie as well as next week’s trip to Salford Red Devils in Super League round 12 .

Hull KR: Hiku, Evalds, Opacic, Hall, Lewis, Sue, Litten, King, Hadley, Batchelor, Minchella, Parcell, Luckley, Whitbread, Storton, Tanginoa, Butterworth, May, Gorman, Tennison, Burgess

Wigan: Field, Miski, Keighran, Wardle, Marshall, French, Smith, Havard, O’Neill, Farrell, Ellis, Cooper, Mago, Thompson, Leeming, Dupree, Hill, Nsemba, Walters, Hampshire, Eckersley

IN CONNECTION WITH: Challenge Cup semi-final ticket update as Hull KR clash with Wigan Warriors heads for milestone

Sunday 19th May – Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens

Women’s: Wigan Warriors v Leeds Rhinos (12.30pm, BBC iPlayer and BBC Red Button)

Teams to be confirmed.

Wigan: TB

Leeds: TB

READ THE FOLLOWING: 13 of rugby league’s weirdest injuries, including one in a Women’s Challenge Cup final

Men: Warrington Wolves v Huddersfield Giants (3.15pm, BBC Two and BBC iPlayer)

Teams to be confirmed.

Warrington: TB

Huddersfield: TB

IN CONNECTION WITH: NextGen – Meet the ‘pretty special athlete’ waiting in the wings at Warrington Wolves