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Bradford or Halifax to reach Challenge Cup semi-finals

Bradford led Leeds at the interval thanks to Webster's try
Image: Bradford and Halifax have been paired together in the quarter-finals

A Championship club is guaranteed a place in the last four of the Challenge Cup after Bradford and Halifax were paired together in the quarter-final draw.

The Bulls' reward for their shock 24-22 win over Leeds was another home derby against Halifax, who knocked out London Broncos in the fifth round before beating fellow Championship club Dewsbury at the weekend.

"We wanted to play at home again and I'm happy to play Halifax, just as I'm sure Halifax will be happy to play us," said Bradford coach John Kear.

"Whoever wins, it will be fantastic for a Championship team to play in the semi-finals. It's what the Cup is about, they have thrown up some great ties."

Bradford got the better of Halifax in a league game at the Shay on Good Friday and the two teams will meet again in the Summer Bash in Blackpool next Saturday.

Catalans suffer Tomkins injury
Catalans suffer Tomkins injury

A potentially serious injury to Sam Tomkins marred Coral Challenge Cup holders Catalans Dragons' 62-6 win over Doncaster.

In the draw for the last eight, which was conducted by former Great Britain players Ellery Hanley and Jonathan Davies, holders Catalans Dragons were handed a trip to Hull FC while St Helens face Wakefield and Warrington, 26-24 winners over Wigan in the sixth round, will go to Hull KR.

The Wolves beat Rovers 54-6 in Super League in April but coach Steve Price says his side will not take them lightly.

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"There are no easy games now," Price said. "Nothing changes for us, we respect all our opposition."

Danny Addy was among the try scorers for Hull KR at Salford
Image: Hull KR produced a second-half comeback to beat Salford and book a quarter-final place

Hull KR coach Tim Sheens was delighted with a home tie after winning 32-18 at Salford in the last round.

"I made the comment to everyone after the Salford game that we'd be happy with a home tie and we have got one," said Sheens.

"There's still three weeks to go until we host Warrington so there's plenty of footy to be played in the meantime. However, we're hopefully going to build our strength over the next three weeks, with a couple of guys returning to action.

Challenge Cup quarter-final ties [May 30 - June 2]

St Helens vs Wakefield Trinity
Bradford Bulls vs Halifax RLFC
Hull KR vs Warrington Wolves
Hull FC vs Catalans Dragons

"I'm delighted for the supporters that it's a home game. Those who made the trip over to Salford were rewarded with a pleasing performance and it's great that they can support us on our turf in a few weeks' time."

Warrington are looking to go one further after losing to the Catalans in the final last August in Price's first season at the helm.

"To lose two finals is not easy to take," said Price, whose side lost to Wigan in the Grand Final in October. "I'd like to think it provides us with extra motivation."

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