Rugby League Challenge Cup 2013: Highlighting Top X- Factors in Tournament

With the Challenge Cup semi-finals now taking shape, it’s fair to say we’re left with the cream of Europe’s rugby league crop in this year’s edition of the continental competition.

That being the case, it’s only natural to see a raft of superstar talent left in the tournament’s latter stages, much of which has been in full effect during this weekend’s quarter-final displays.

Wigan Warriors and Widnes Vikings are the only two quarter-finalists yet to decide their fate but will meet at the DW Stadium on Monday evening looking to progress.

Taking four of the five remaining teams into account, read on to find out a particularly dangerous figure in each of the favourites’ lineups as we head into these closing Challenge Cup phases.

Joel Monaghan, Warrington Wolves

In his latest showing, the quarterfinal battering of the Huddersfield Giants, Joel Monaghan led from the front foot for The Wire, as he has on so many other occasions this season.

The 31-year-old former Australian international crossed the line on either side of halftime to give his side the platform needed for a very convincing victory over their Super League opposition.

Going forward, Monaghan teamed up well with teammate Lee Briers but was also a strong presence at the back, doing well to disrupt the Huddersfield line of creation, limiting the Giants’ attacking movements until very late in the afternoon.

Ben Crooks, Hull FC

Ben Crooks has stood out as one of the finest young prospects in Super League rugby this season, rising through the Hull ranks alongside winger, Tom Lineham.

The 20-year-old centre has played 36 league games for the club so far, scoring 27 tries in the process, equating to a ratio of almost a touchdown-per-match.

While the starlet certainly relies on other, more established figures to lay the groundwork for him at times, Hull are fortunate to have a player with Crooks’ flair in their ranks, as he is likely to make a big impact on the sport for some time yet.

 

Sam Tomkins, Wigan Warriors

As the reigning Man of Steel, a great deal of speculation rests over whether or not this will be Sam Tomkins’ last season in Wigan Warrior colours.

However, the young back has put in all the necessary graft to even earn such rumours, and is currently one of the most sought-after talents in the sport.

If Wigan are to live up to their billing as Challenge Cup favourites, their success is likely to run in correlation with Tomkins’ involvement with the squad and just whether or not the 24-year-old can find his prolific form.

Michael Witt, London Broncos

While the London Broncos may not feel overly confident regarding their chances of silverware given their Super League standing, Michael Witt will be key in any chances the capital side have of staging an underdog triumph.

The Broncos currently sit at the bottom of the Super League and are bound to struggle when it comes to scoring tries in the next phase of the competition where they know they’ll be facing superior Super League opposition.

As a result, Witt’s kicking starts to become of all the more importance to the 29-year-old Queensland native, who’s scored more than 250 points for the side despite only signing last year.

As long as Witt’s boot is accurate, the Broncos will have a chance at achieving the most unlikely of upsets, however slim those chances may be.