Challenge Cup Semi Finals 2013: Key Clashes in Hull FC vs. Warrington Wolves

Following Wigan Warriors' 70-0 thrashing of the London Broncos in the first Challenge Cup semi-final, one place remains to be filled for August’s Wembley final.

On Sunday, Super League sides Hull FC and Warrington Wolves will look to secure a spot in what promises to be an epic finale, with the latter entering the fray as firm favourites.

Tony Smith’s Wolves side have been buoyed by the return of several key players in recent days, while Hull have had to endure a few potentially match-deciding absences of late, which only adds to their underdog status.

That said, these two sides remain amongst the world’s finest in terms of rugby league standing and nonetheless promise to offer up a few game-deciding encounters come kickoff.

Joseph Arundel vs. Chris Riley

Ben Crooks has been the jewel in the Hull FC crown for some time now, impressing massively with his 20-try contribution to the club’s Super League cause this season.

That was before the 20-year-old starlet picked up a season-ending ankle injury that’s sure to rule him out of contention even if Hull were to book a spot in the final.

As a result, it’s quite possible that Joe Arundel will be the man to step in alongside Tom Lineham to take Crooks’ place, where he’s likely to face Chris Riley should that be the case.

Nobody can expect the stand-in to produce the same extravagance as his fellow youngster teammate, but that’s not to say the 21-year-old Arundel isn’t capable of his own moments of magic.

It’s more likely, however, that Arundel will concentrated on his defensive duties, restricting the Warrington outside-backs from making too much progress up the centre and providing a platform for the likes of Joel Monaghan and company to work from.

Riley has been a key attacking presence for The Wire this season, featuring in almost every game across all competitions and providing a contribution of 14 Super League tries along the way.

Daniel Holdsworth vs. Richie Myler

Having recovered from injury last week, Daniel Holdsworth is without doubt the most important asset returning to Peter Gentle’s side this weekend, as was announced by BBC Humberside via Twitter.

The Australian half-back gives Hull FC a much more assured presence from the breakdown, and offering a more consistent supply to the back-line.

Looking to spoil that supply, though, will be Holdsworth’s opposite man, Richie Myler. The Warrington No.7 was unavailable for his side’s quarterfinal win over Huddersfield and was replaced by veteran Lee Briers.

However, England international Myler looks set to slot back into the Wolves’ line-up for the trip to the John Smith’s Stadium, making for a very interesting engagement between these two.

Even though the pair aren't particularly likely to come into direct contact all that often, individually their contributions will be decisive to their respective team’s hopes of victory.

Joe Westerman vs. Ben Westwood

Earlier in July, it was Ben Westwood and another Super League back rower, Huddersfield’s Brett Ferres, who had a massive hand in deciding their Challenge Cup quarter-final clash through their carries, tackles and an all-round leadership.

With Westwood winning that clash, it’s Hull’s Joe Westerman who will next attempt to overthrow the Warrington regime in Huddersfield.

In a tale of old versus young, seasoned versus green, 32-year-old Westwood will feel he has an edge in experience against 23-year-old Westerman, but that doesn’t make their individual clash any less interesting.

Given his age, Westerman is undoubtedly the more versatile and dynamic of the pair and could get around the park that much more. However, it is Westwood’s potency in each move he is involved in that provides his advantage.