Rugby league betting tips: Ian Millward previews the Challenge Cup semi-finals

Recommended bets: Challenge Cup & NRL

2pt win double Wigan (-10) and Roosters (-4) at 3.01/1

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Wigan v Salford (+10) - Sunday, 1430 BST, BBC Two

I think Wigan are specials in this game. 

They've had the wood over Salford since the inception of the Super League and their opponents have lost six of their last seven games.

They have an injury doubt over Robert Lui and he'd be a huge loss as he offers so much to their attacking game. 

Manu Vatuvei is a good addition for Salford but may lack fitness if making a quick debut. Tyrone McCarthy is the other new face and he's not going to be lacking in that department. He's a hard workder.

But Wigan look the bet here. They are getting better with each passing week, getting the winning feeling back, and Liam Farrell and Sam Tomkins return.

Crucially they know how to win a semi-final too. For some clubs just reaching this stage feels like an achievement and they don't turn up on the day. Wigan will - and win and cover.

Hull v Leeds (+2) - Saturday, 1430 BST, BBC Two

Hull must overcome recent history in this one having lost eight in a row against the Rhinos - including a league match between the two three weeks ago.

However I think they can snap that streak and claim a Wembley spot here. I like a team who have done it the hard way at this stage of the competition and don't forget Lee Radford's men beat Castleford in the quarter-finals.

They will have been toughened up for this by last week's hard fought win over Huddersfield while in stark contrast Leeds had a whole host of players out for a 34-0 defeat at Wigan.

Most of them return here but they'll need to be quickly up to speed.

Hull have had a lot more starch in their defence of late, Gareth Ellis' return is a big boost and don't forget this time last year they looked to be marching on to the double. They are a team who can win the big games and I fancy them to get over the line in this one and cover the start.

NRL

Sydney Roosters v North Queensland Cowboys (+4) - Saturday, 1030 BST, Premier Sports

Since losing Johnathan Thurston to injury, North Queensland have won four games. They are going well and will fancy their chances going to a Sydney side without Jake Friend and Boyd Codner.

However the Cowboys' good recent run has come against sides outside the top eight and they will find the Roosters a completely different proposition. They're my best bet in the NRL.

Gold Coast Titans v Wests Tigers (+10) - Sunday, 0700 BST, Premier Sports

Wests have been unlucky in their last three games - being beaten by a golden point last week. Defensively they're getting better and better under their new coach but this could be a step too far.

Gold Coast conceded two interception tries last week and played very well. Back at home this tough, gritty, side look too good for the visitors and can win - and win comfortably.

Posted at 1312 BST on 27/07/17.