Former Wests Tigers fullback Brett Hodgson admits Warrington will have to be ready for a semi-final onslaught after booking their Challenge Cup last four berth with a 32-22 win over Catalan Dragons.
Victory was in no small part down to the influence of the veteran Hodgson who crossed for a try as well as producing an immaculate 12-point haul with the boot.
But despite making it look easy on a personal level, Hodgson insisted it was anything but.
The Dragons had not lost on home soil all season prior to the clash and veteran Hodgson said: “It was a tough game, they’re hard to beat — especially over here.
“They put in a big performance last time we came here and that was on our minds. It’s a wonderful competition so we’re thrilled.
“It was really hot which makes it tough. We’re really happy to get through and the semi-finals are a great achievement for us.
“It’s superb to go through. The competition goes up a level in intensity now and you have to up your game so we are really happy.”
Hodgson and co will take on Huddersfield in their semi-final showdown after the Giants brushed aside London Broncos 50-14.
Two tries apiece from Aaron Murphy, Greg Eden and Luke Robinson helped do the damage as Huddersfield cruised into the last four.
The other semi-final is the mouthwatering prospect of a re-run of last year’s Challenge Cup final, Wigan against Leeds after they too secured quarter-final victories.
Brett Finch was the star turn as holders Wigan saw off local rivals St Helens in their quarter-final, but insisted the victory was a team affair.
Finch notched the try of the game — one of three Wigan four-pointers — as the Warriors ran out 18-4 winners, but the 30-year-old said: “Our desire to win and to work for one another was the difference.
“The games against St Helens are always bruising encounters and it was no different.
“I don’t know what happened with my try really. I haven’t run that far since I was about eight! It’s always nice to get a try in a big game.
“We’ve still got a bit of work to do but down to the last four certainly gives us a chance, it looks like it’s going to be a tough run for us again like last year.”
Leeds reached their 17th Challenge Cup semi-final in 20 years with a 60-12 win over Leigh.
It was the 28-point haul of Kevin Sinfield that caught the eye of Leeds assistant boss James Lowes.
“He’s fantastic,” said Lowes. “He’s been really good all season. He picked up a couple of tries as well which is good to see. He fully deserved that.”