Warrington to face Catalans in semis

Holders Warrington will play Super League strugglers Catalans Dragons in the semi-finals of the Carnegie Challenge Cup on Sunday, August 8.

Leeds and St Helens, who have met in each of the last three Grand Finals, will meet in the other tie 24 hours earlier.

The Wolves, who ended a 34-year wait to lift the trophy when they beat Huddersfield at Wembley last August, got the tie the big three wanted against the league's bottom club but coach Tony Smith insists he will prepare his side for a difficult challenge, saying: "Catalans have shown they can play. It's going to be a big challenge for us."

He added: "It's not for a few weeks so we should have our long-term injured, Garreth Carvell and Richie Myler, back. I'd like to think we'll be in pretty good shape by then."

Catalans scrum-half Brent Sherwin, who represented the French club at Wednesday's draw in Manchester, also believes the two-month gap between rounds will give his side the chance to get back to full strength for a tilt at Wembley, where they were runners-up to St Helens in 2007.

"We've had a few injuries but I think a few will be coming back in the next month," he said.

The Leeds-Saints tie gives Mick Potter's men the chance to avenge their three consecutive Old Trafford defeats.

"It's a good tie," said Potter. "It will be a big challenge for both of us. I don't think anyone gets fed up of those big games."

Leeds coach Brian McClennan, who is hoping to guide the Rhinos to their first cup final success for 11 years, said he was happy with the draw.

"You come with an open mind," he said. "Whoever you draw is going to be tough, it is what it is."