Big four eye Wembley in Women's Challenge Cup

A deluxe weekend in the Challenge Cup arrives.

Along with the two men's Challenge Cup semi-finals, last season's Women's Super League top four feature in the women's competition, with two places at Wembley up for grabs.

Wigan Warriors take on Leeds Rhinos to whet the appetite on Saturday while holders St Helens face reigning league champions York Valkyrie on Sunday in a repeat of last season's Grand Final.

You can watch both games on the BBC red button, on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

BBC Sport has taken a look at what we can look forward to this weekend.

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-final - Leeds Rhinos v Wigan Warriors

Venue: LNER Community Stadium, York Date: Saturday, 10 May Kick-off: 12:00 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Red Button from 11:50 BST, live text on BBC Sport website & app

For Wigan Warriors boss Denis Betts, Saturday's tie against Leeds Rhinos is all about keeping things simple.

His side are aiming to overcome last year's beaten finalists to reach a first Women's Challenge Cup final.

"It's not rocket science. We've got a young group. We've got girls who have a bit of experience," Betts said.

"It's about making sure the preparation is right. You need to make sure the anxiety is excitement as well and make sure they feel exactly the same way.

"That comes down to our training, understanding of the purpose within the team. If you know your role and you know what's expected of you then it becomes a bit easier.

"That's what we've been trying to do throughout pre-season, everybody understands what they contribute to the team but they have to do it better."

Leeds and Wigan meet for the third season in a row in the Challenge Cup semi-final and Rhinos second-rower Lucy Murray believes their tie against the Warriors will be tough but entertaining.

"Wigan have made some great gs this year and they're a team that has always been building year on year," she told the club website., external

"I believe this year will be a good year for Wigan so we're definitely not going in blindsided. I think it will be a competitive, good game."

Betfred Women's Challenge Cup semi-final - St Helens v York Valkyrie

Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium, St Helens Date: Sunday, 11 May Kick-off: 13:45 BST Coverage: Live on BBC Red Button from 13:35 BST, commentary on BBC Radio York and live text on BBC Sport website & app

Holders St Helens face York Valkyrie on Sunday in a rematch between last season's two Women's Super League grand finalists.

York were the victors in that game last term and Saints head coach Craig Richards knows they pose just as much of a threat this weekend.

"We've been challenged in small sections of the previous games but York will no doubt push us all the way," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"It'll be a massive increase in intensity and it'll be a team that can hurt us and we're going to have to be at our best."

Saints have home advantage as part of the double-header before Warrington take on Leigh in the men's semi-final at the Totally Wicked Stadium - but Richards does not think playing in familiar surroundings will count for much.

"I've never bought into that," he added. "The last time we played York it didn't go our way so home advantage meant nothing.

"I don't think home advantage adds anything to the game. It's about turning up and playing to the best of our abilities and seeing where that takes us."

York comfortably beat Leigh 52-0 in the previous round to set up Sunday's semi-final against St Helens.

Valkyrie most recently reached the Women's Challenge Cup final in 2021 when they were beaten 34-6 by Saints.

"We were pretty pleased with our draw in of who we were playing," head coach Lindsay Anfield told BBC Radio York.

"We had teams that would really challenge us and they did. Leigh are a well-drilled side and we had to play some good rugby.

"I was pleased with how we went and I think it prepared us particularly well for this week."

Anfield says she is happy with the progression of her side so far this season and their pursuit of the Challenge Cup shows that they have not rested on their laurels after winning last season's Grand Final.

"We're still trying to get some fluency in our attack and defence. I was pleased with how we've done but this week is going to be a proper test," Anfield added.

"We've got lots of new players who've had their chance over the past three games to get to know the team and how we play.

"We've done a lot of good stuff so I'm happy with where we are."