Challenge Cup 2013: Players Sure to Star in This Year's Tournament

Eight teams remain in the 2013 Challenge Cup with just one match separating them and a lucrative semi-final.

Here, we look at which players are going to step up in their respective quarter-finals and lead their team's charge for glory.

Friday, 12 July—Sheffield Eagles vs. London Broncos

Key Player: Menzie Yere (Sheffield)

Can Sheffield Eagles upset the odds and reach the Challenge Cup semi-finals? It would be a remarkable story for a side in the Championship, but they face a London Broncos side rooted at the bottom of the Super League. It has all the ingredients for an upset.

The Eagles’ success will largely depend on the form of Papa New Guinea’s Yere, who has inspired his side this year with a host of tries.

He scored in their 28-12 win over Halifax RLFC, and fans will be boosted by the news from the BBC that he is ready to play in this crucial encounter after suffering a groin strain.

Saturday, 13 July—Catalan Dragons vs. Hull FC

Key Player: Morgan Escare (Catalan)

What a debut season it’s been for Escare. He just can’t stop scoring tries and bagged three in the last round during Catalan Dragons' 92-8 demolition of York City Knights.

Their quarter-final clash with Hull is set to be an emotional encounter, with Australian Scott Dureau expected to return to the team after having a brain tumour removed. Dureau revealed to the BBC that it’s been a “rollercoaster” of a season, but he’s ready to return on Saturday.

Sunday, 14 July—Warrington Wolves vs. Huddersfield Giants

Key Player: Leroy Cudjoe (Huddersfield)

Cudjoe has already lit up the tournament this year after scoring a brace of tries in their fifth-round win over Leeds Rhinos.

He has hit form at the right time, with four tries in as many Super League appearances, and the Huddersfield fans will be hoping for him to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

He has all the attacking attributes required to light up their match against Warrington Wolves and propel Huddersfield into the semi-finals.

Monday, 15 July—Wigan Warriors vs. Widnes Vikings

Key Player: Josh Charnley (Wigan)

A mini battle has broken out between Charnley and Sam Tomkins over who can score the most tries as Wigan continue their bid for the Super League and Challenge Cup double.

But with Tomkins rated as 50/50, according to Sky Sports earlier in the week, the onus will fall on Charnley to be the focal point of Wigan’s attacking play in their clash with Widnes Vikings.

At just 22, Charnley has already tasted Challenge Cup success with Wigan and will be hoping his regular scores can lead them to more silverware.

Who do you think will win the Challenge Cup? Which players will make the headlines in the quarter-finals? Let me know in the comments section below.