Rugby League
Challenge Cup Final Predictions
The 2026 Challenge Cup Final arrives at Wembley on Saturday (3pm), with Wigan Warriors and Hull Kingston Rovers looking horns in what promises to be a physical encounter, and William Hill News have their say on who lifts the trophy.
Prediction:
Hull KR To Win – 4/5
Wigan and Hull KR have become the defining rivalry of the modern Super League era, trading blows at Old Trafford and now arriving under the Wembley arches. They are the last two winners of this competition, with the warriors claiming the prize as part of a domestic treble in 2024, before it was returned to East Yorkshire in 2025. One half of Wembley will be celebrating again on Saturday afternoon.
The route to the final was emphatic for both clubs. Wigan dismantled rivals St Helens 32-0 in their semi-final, while Hull eased past Warrington 32-12 in a repeat of last year’s final. In both cases the defence did the heavy lifting, which sets the stage for a tactical, attritional final.
Odds:
Wigan Warriors – 11/10
Hull KR – 4/5
The Case For Hull KR
The bookmakers side with the defending champions, and with good reason. Willie Peters’ side are the reigning treble winners and arrive at Wembley having beaten Wigan 62-4 just last Thursday, albeit against a heavily rotated side. The scoreline does tell a story in its own right however, and Hull will be confident heading into the weekend.
Mikey Lewis is the heartbeat of Hull’s attack with his ability to find gaps, ship the ball wide and his ability to manage a game make him arguably the most influential half-back in the competitions. Willie Peters has built a team around him that is extremely difficult to score against and are well organised and terrifying in attack.
The last six Challenge Cup finals have been won by the pre-match favourite, and at the current prices Hull KR look set to go back-to-back.
The Case for Wigan
The Warriors’ underdog tag shouldn’t be overlooked. They are the most decorated club in the history of the competition, lifting the Challenge Cup on 21 occassions across 33 final appearances, and head coach Matt Peet certainly knows how to find ways to peak for knockout fixtures.
Team captain Liam Farrell and Bevan French have returned to the starting lineup, which could transform Wigan’s options enormously. French in particular is the kind of player who can unlock any defensive structure on his day, with electrifying line breaks and footwork to make defenders look foolish.
The last ten meetings between the two sides, Wigan have won six. With the head-to-head history favouring the Cherry and Whites and with a full-strength squad, they are an entirely different proposition to the outfit that appeared last week in defeat.
Final Prediction
The quality and experience on both sides is pretty equal and that is reflected in the betting markets. Neither team have shown meaningful weaknesses over the course of the season and will be equally motivated when they arrive at Wembley.
Willie Peters’ Rovers side look terrifying in attack and just as solid in defence, and they look set to cap off a brilliant 2026 season with back-to-back Challenge Cup trophies.
*Odds accurate at time of writing – prices subject to change*
