Leeds Rhinos still favourites for long awaited Challenge Cup glory
Published:Leeds Rhinos laid down a huge marker in their quest for a first Challenge Cup since 1999 with a convincing 32-12 win over St. Helens.
Brian McDermott’s side are now the 7/4 favourites with Ladbrokes to reach Wembley and lift the cup for the first time in 15 years.
A double from Zak Hardaker and tries for Joel Moon, Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock saw off Saints and helped the Super League leaders reach the quarter-finals.
They have been joined in the last eight by current holders Wigan, who have now been cut to 9/4 second favourites by the bookmaker.
The Warriors are chasing a 20th victory in the competition and will face much tougher tests than the one put up by Hunslet.
Wigan full-back Matty Bowen scored a hat-trick and scrum-half Matty Smith claimed a 24-point haul as the home side cruised to a 52-8 demolition win at the DW Stadium.
The 2012 Winners Warrington Wolves booked their quarter-final spot thanks to a 68-0 victory over Doncaster.
Stand-off Chris Bridge starred for the eight-time winners with a huge 36-point haul and the Wolves have now been shortened to 3/1 for Wembley glory.
Bradford Bulls put their on and off-field problems behind them to end a three-game losing streak with a comeback victory over the Catalan Dragons.
The visitors raced into a 16-0 lead but Bradford, who are 25/1 to lift the cup, showed plenty of character to fight back for a much needed win.
And the 33-20 victory over an in-form Catalan side was the biggest score they have managed against a Super League club since a 56-6 victory over Huddersfield at the end of the 2013 season.
Castleford (6/1), Widnes (14/1) and Championship sides Leigh Centurions (80/1) and Keighley Cougars (250/1) make up the rest of the last eight.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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