Wigan 20-18 St Helens: Warriors off to Tottenham after thrilling semi-final

Wigan Warriors booked their place in a first Challenge Cup final since 2017 after holding off a second half comeback from St Helens at Elland Road.

The Warriors led 14-0 at the break thanks to tries from Liam Marshall, Cade Cust and Liam Farrell. But tries from Konrad Hurrell, Jonny Lomax and James Roby, all converted by Tommy Makinson put Saints in front.

But Marshall’s second try 10 minutes from time put Wigan back in front, and that was the way it stayed.

Wigan made only one change to the side that beat Warrington last week. Joe Shorrocks came in to replace Sam Halsall on the bench.

Meanwhile, Saints made two changes to the side that beat Salford. They welcomed back Konrad Hurrell and Curtis Sironen from suspension, they replaced Will Hopoate and Sam Royle. The big news was that Jonny Lomax was passed fit, and started in the halves alongside Ben Davies.

The Warriors took the lead after just three minutes. After Josh Simm failed to take in a high ball, Wigan were able to work the ball out to the left-hand side and Jake Bibby was able to put Liam Marshall over in the corner. Harry Smith missed the conversion attempt, meaning the Warriors’ lead stood at four points.

Saints then missed a great chance to level the game. Smith knocked on close to the line, giving them a full set. However, a pass went to ground and Bevan French intercepted the ball. It was only a brilliant cover tackle from Jack Welsby that stopped French going all the way. Joe Batchelor was then sent to the sin bin for stopping French from playing the ball.

Just two minutes later, Wigan were able to make the extra man count. Cade Cust threw a dummy, and was able to get through the gap and score. Smith was again off-target with the conversion attempt.

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