Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup Semi-Final Clash Holds High Stakes for Hull KR’s Joe Burgess
With the first of the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals set for this Saturday, Hull KR’s Joe Burgess is eager for the Robins to secure a second successive trip to Wembley. Just 80 minutes away from the prestigious final, a win would mark Burgess’ second appearance on the big stage, having previously played in the 2017 Challenge Cup Final with former club Wigan Warriors.
However, before Hull KR can even begin dreaming of Wembley, they must overcome the current Super League and World Champions, Wigan Warriors, at the Eco-Power Stadium. The cup history between the two sides is certainly captivating, with the Robins responsible for dethroning the Warriors in last year’s thrilling semi-final.
“I just think how close we [Hull KR] came to it last year,” said Burgess, who signed from Salford Red Devils in the off-season. “I hope to think myself and the new signings have really added to the squad this year. There’s a good sense of confidence at the minute within the playing group.”
Currently sitting fifth in the Betfred Super League, Hull KR suffered a disappointing defeat against Warrington in their latest outing. However, Burgess insists this weekend’s semi-final clash will be a completely different proposition.
“It wasn’t the best result for us last Thursday, but it’s a separate competition this week – you go through or you go home,” he explained. “I think because they [Hull KR] came so close to winning the final last year, a lot of the boys are chomping at the bit to get over and pick up a winner’s medal – and so am I.”
Burgess has been in fine form for the Robins this season, with the side earning a reputation for their eye-catching attack. The 29-year-old flyer has relished his move to East Hull, saying, “I’ve been loving it. It’s a nice change of scenery and the move has turned out great. I’m enjoying playing rugby again and I’m up here with my best mate Oliver Gildart who I went to school with and played with at Wigan.”
Hull KR’s impressive performances this season, including victories over current champions Wigan and former champions St Helens, have captured the attention of rugby league fans. In the Challenge Cup, they have demonstrated their quality, demolishing Salford Red Devils 40-0 in the Sixth Round before beating current holders Leigh Leopards in the quarter-finals.
Burgess, who scored three tries during the Robins’ cup run, is eager to add to his tally when he faces his former club this weekend. He reflected on the past month as his favorite in a Robins shirt so far, saying, “These past few weeks have stood out with beating two of the top teams in Wigan and Saints. I know we’ve lost against Warrington and Catalans along the way, but we’ve shown we can still knock off the two top sides.”
As Willie Peters’ men prepare to face Wigan once again, Burgess acknowledges that the Champions will be seeking retribution after their recent defeat.
“We beat them and I think it upset them quite a bit. They will have a bit of confidence from last week beating Huddersfield, but this is a separate competition and it’s going to be a battle.”
With a firm focus on the Challenge Cup, Hull KR will be hoping to replicate their semi-final success from last year. Burgess, who experienced the heartbreak of a Challenge Cup Final defeat in 2017, is determined to help the Robins go one step further this time around.
“Nobody wants that feeling again, so we’re just raring to go,” he said.
The stakes are high for Hull KR and their fans, who are eager to see the team secure a second consecutive Wembley appearance. For Burgess, the opportunity to finally etch his name on the trophy would be a culmination of his professional ambitions.
“I’ve never actually played in a final and won one professionally, so I’m chomping at the bit to get that one,” he expressed.
With the drama of the Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finals set to unfold, rugby league enthusiasts can expect the unexpected as Hull KR and Wigan Warriors collide on Saturday, May 18th, with the action live on BBC One from 1:45 pm.
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