Holders St Helens will play favourites Leeds in the semi-finals of the Carnegie Challenge Cup.

Wakefield, who have reached the last four for the first time since 1979, face Hull in the other semi-final.

The draw increases the chances of Wakefield boss John Kear making history by guiding three different clubs to Challenge Cup final triumph.

Kear said: "I wanted anybody but Leeds. It's a good draw for us but I'm sure Hull will be delighted as well."

Wakefield are in the semi-finals for the first time since 1979 but their meeting with Hull will be their first against engage Super League opposition in this year's tournament.

St Helens have won 13 successive ties and lifted the trophy at Twickenham in 2006 and at the new Wembley last August but they lost at home to Leeds in Super League earlier this season.

Kear famously masterminded Sheffield Eagles' stunning win over Wigan in 1998 and was in charge of Hull when they lifted the trophy in Cardiff three years ago.

He admitted he was delighted to avoid the Rhinos, who have scored 102 points against his Wildcats side in two Super League meetings this year.

"They are playing outstanding rugby at the minute and I think everybody is hoping they will hit a flat patch.

The draw will pit Kear against Hull's newly-appointed head coach Richard Agar, who was his assistant when the Black and Whites beat Leeds at the Millennium Stadium in 2005.

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Highlights: Bradford 16-22 Hull FC

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Highlights: Leeds 23-16 Wigan