WITH there being no game for Warrington Wolves this weekend, rugby league's eyes are on the two Carnegie Challenge Cup semi finals.

I have to be honest and say I haven't really got a preference who wins Saturday's semi between Bradford Bulls and St Helens at the Galpharm Stadium.

Both clubs are having a successful year in the league and therefore probably deserve their shots at appearing in the first final at the new Wembley stadium.

My feeling is that Saints will come out on top if they are at their best because, at their best, no other side has yet learnt how to live with them.

They kill the opposition with the speed at which they play the game and it is a joy to watch when they are at their peak.

Sunday's semi final at Warrington's Halliwell Jones Stadium is a totally different kettle of fish for me.

I've been banging the drum for several weeks now about wanting to see Catalans Dragons defeat Wigan Warriors and become the first French side to reach the Challenge Cup Final.

The way I see it, as a neutral, Wigan have had enough success over the years to be able to afford missing out on the August 25 glory day at Wembley.

Les Catalans are less than two years old as a club and it would be a fantastic boost for the game in France if former Wolves forward Jerome Guisset and company can reach such a high-profile showpiece occasion.

Judging by responses from supporters on our website, many Wolves fans agree with my thinking and will be turning out at The Halliwell Jones to lend their support.

Having spoken with Guisset about the support, I know he and his Warrington family would truly appreciate the primrose and blue fans donning red and yellow for the day and speaking with a French accent.

Whatever view you hold, it should be a great semi.

The two sets of big men should provide an epic battle down the middle, while there is bags of pace in the backs.

No doubt the key will be how much value Catalans get out of their Kiwi superstar, Stacey Jones, in comparison to the service Wigan receive from their Aussie ace, Trent Barrett.

Both are highly influential to their respective teams in a similar way that Lee Briers is to Warrington Wolves.

Wigan will be the favourites but, as Sheffield Eagles know, that does not count for anything when you're playing Wigan in a major game.

It's another tribute to the work that went into developing Wolves' stadium that the Rugby Football League have hired the venue again for such a big match.

The stadium became an instant hit when it opened in 2004 and was selected by the RFL to stage the Challenge Cup semi final between eventual winners St Helens and Huddersfield Giants on April 25, 2004.

That was the first Challenge Cup semi final to take place in Warrington for 67 years and attracted a 'gate' of 13,134 fans.