Huddersfield Giants captain Luke Yates on Challenge Cup motivation, Wigan Warriors reaction and Warrington Wolves speculation

The Giants had one hand on the trophy two years ago at Tottenham before Wigan Warriors winger Liam Marshall scored a late try to snatch it away.

It was a familiar feeling for Yates after suffering the agony of a one-point loss to Leeds Rhinos with Salford Red Devils in the 2020 final.

Sunday's semi-final against Warrington Wolves offers the loose forward the opportunity to secure a return to Wembley in his bid to make it third time lucky.

"We've got a fair few that played in that game and all took note of how horrible that felt," he said on the 2022 final.

"As an Aussie, I didn't really understand the cup too much because you sign to play in Super League and wonder what this other competition is, but being involved in it, getting to the final and the eyes it gets on it, it's obviously a massive, massive occasion.

"They were great memories getting to them and of the week itself but to lose by a point and then two points wasn't great.

"I've watched Liam Marshall's try 100 times but sometimes it comes down to the bounce of the ball and that's footy. I remember standing there watching them get their medals and thinking I'd save that for a later date.

"Getting another opportunity to have a crack at it would be massive for me and the club as well to try redeem that loss from two years ago."

Marshall inflicted more pain on Huddersfield last week, scoring a hat-trick in a resounding 48-6 win for the Warriors at the John Smith's Stadium.

The Giants were in the contest at the break, only to concede 36 unanswered second-half points.

"It was quite embarrassing, to be honest," said Yates.

"We came in on Monday which was supposed to be one of our days off and had a pretty tough review on it and a pretty good hard look at ourselves.

"Watto (Ian Watson) didn't hold back and Robbo (Luke Robinson) had a good input into it as well. Then some of our senior players had a good talk.

"I think we got a lot out of that and will hopefully learn from it. It's not good to be beaten like that – especially that last 20 minutes which was pretty devastating for us – and we're looking for a response this week."

Huddersfield head into the last-four date with Warrington as underdogs following three straight defeats in Super League.

Watson's men do not have to look far for encouragement after beating Catalans Dragons against the odds in the previous round.

"In the Challenge Cup, it doesn't really matter how you've been going – it's all about that game," added Yates. "That's our attitude going into this game.

"I don't really care if nobody backs us or believes in us, as long as the 17 that are playing for us on the weekend are all in. That's all I'm worried about."

Yates has been heavily linked with a move to Warrington but he is putting any thoughts about his future firmly to the back of his mind.

"I'm leaving that to my manager," he said. "I'm at Huddersfield and want to be the best I can be for them."