Warrington vs. Huddersfield: Players Sure to Disappoint in Challenge Cup Clash

An early mistake in a crucial match can leave a rugger praying for the referee to blow his whistle so he can return to the sanctity of the dressing room. Not everyone can produce that moment of magic on the big stage, and the Challenge Cup quarter-final between Warrington Wolves and Huddersfield Giants will be no different.

In the tournament’s showpiece tie, second takes on third in what promises to be a riveting encounter, but a few players simply won’t show up on Sunday. We’ve picked them out.

Luke Robinson, Huddersfield Giants

Imagine starting a Challenge Cup quarter-final knowing that you were knocked unconscious in the previous outing.

After the BBC declared Robinson was available for the clash after a nasty tackle in Huddersfield’s clash with Hull, the half-back will quickly have to put it all behind him and focus on the impending match.

Although he’s dealt with being knocked out cold before—an incredible 15 times, according to the Examiner—the opposition seems intent on targeting him. “As one of the team’s playmakers you know the opposition are going to target you,” he told the Examiner's Chris Roberts.

A body can only take so much punishment, and with Warrington fans screaming for victory, you can expect Robinson to take another pummeling on Sunday.

Brett Hodgson, Warrington Wolves

Each round of the Challenge Cup adds just a little more pressure to every kick, and Hodgson has to keep his emotions in check as those around him engage in full-on warfare.

But the Warrington man has missed 23 goals this season—the second highest in the Super League—and a few nervy misses could create tension from the expectant home crowd.

Factor in opposite number Danny Brough’s impressive recent strike rate for Huddersfield, and the weight of pressure is piled high on the Warrington man. He did kick 3-of-3 in the narrow Super League win over Leeds Rhinos, but the step-up in expectation for the Challenge Cup will lead to cracks.

Rhys Williams, Warrington Wolves

Williams comes into the fray on the back of very little game time. With just four Super League appearances to his name this season, he will step in to replace Ryan Atkins, according to the BBC.

It’s been a stop-and-start season for Williams, who has been in and out of the club and Welsh setups. With the lack of proper game time he’s had in 2013, the stage could pressure him into making costly errors.

He will be identified as the early target by Huddersfield, and the expectation from the home fans combined with his rustiness will be his downfall.