Rugby League Challenge Cup 2013: Complete Quarterfinals Predictions

The Challenge Cup quarterfinal stage is upon us. Teams such as Sheffield Eagles and Widnes Vikings will be looking to cause major upsets in a tournament that may provide some much-needed rejuvenation for the Super League clubs that are currently struggling.

London Broncos, that means you. Should coach Tony Rea's side lose their next match, a terrible stint of form would be compounded with the most embarrassing defeat yet.

Can Sheffield Eagles triumph? Who will join the victors in the semifinal? Let's take a look.

July 12—Sheffield Eagles vs. London Broncos; Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield, England

How do you weigh these two teams up? Part-time Sheffield Eagles are currently top of the Kingstone Press Championship and enjoying an unbeaten run of 15 games. London Broncos are bottom of the Super League with three wins in 21 matches.

Although the Broncos remain firm favourites, Mark Aston has a habit of leading his team to historic wins. He was the standout scrum-half when the Eagles overcame Wigan 17-8 at Wembley in 1998, a shock that will remain in the memory while the Broncos are in town.

Too many dark clouds hang over the visitors right now. As reported by Sky Sports, captain Tony Clubb is preparing his exit for the end of this season. Although his injury return will provide the team with an instant boost, Sheffield Eagles will thrive on their underdog tag. Aston and his men will channel the spirit of '98, and as we know, that only means one thing.

Prediction: Sheffield Eagles by five.

July 13—Catalan Dragons vs. Hull FC; Stade Gilbert Brutus, Perpignan, France

A run of four straight defeats has seen Hull FC lose major momentum. Much like the Broncos, the home side will be looking to the Challenge Cup as a turning point in an inconsistent season. The only problem is, they are facing a Catalan Dragons side that thumped them 30-4 at the beginning of June.

A much-improved display in the recent match against Huddersfield Giants will give Hull hope here. Ben Crooks notched a hat-trick of tries in the 26-27 loss to Wakefield and will be hoping his good individual form finally results in a win. The Super League is tight this year, and despite being three places lower than the Calatan Dragons, Hull FC are about to turn the corner.

Prediction: Hull FC by two.

July 14—Warrington Wolves vs. Huddersfield Giants; Halliwell Jones Stadium, Warrington, England

As mentioned already, Huddersfield had to fight hard to overcome Hull FC in their last match. A score of 22-16 in favour of the second-place team highlights how well the opposition did, so the boys in claret and gold will be expecting an even tougher test against a Warrington Wolves side that are third in the Super League.

Former Giants captain Brett Hodgson faces a tricky test against his former team. In a strange twist of events, the 35-year-old Australian was in the Giants team that lost the 2009 final to Warrington, so there's no doubt he would love to get one over his old employers at this stage in his career. Both teams are in good form, but Warrington's 34-12 win over Huddersfield in May outlines them as the favourites.

Prediction: Warrington Wolves by five.

July 15—Wigan Warriors vs. Widnes Vikings; DW Stadium, Wigan, England

Wigan Warriors are the Super League leaders by the skin of their teeth. Defeats to Warrington and Castleford were recently overcome with a 26-20 victory over Bradford—a match that was perhaps tighter than expected.

The Riversiders have a trump card up their sleeve. Back in March, Wigan annihilated Widnes Vikings 62-4 at the DW Stadium. Josh Charnley scored four tries that day and will be itching to stretch his legs in that fashion once more.

If he doesn't manage to exercise his influence, Sam Tomkins also notched three tries against this opposition earlier in the year and could make the difference if he's fit. As reported by Sky Sports, Tomkins may miss the match due to injury.

Even if he does, the home side will be confident of winning this one with an arm tied behind their backs.

Prediction: Wigan Warriors by 23.

Which teams do you expect to advance toward the Challenge Cup semifinals? Let me know in the comments section and be sure to discuss it with me on Twitter: