Former Wests Tigers full-back Brett Hodgson has inspired Nathan Brown's Huddersfield to a surprise Challenge Cup semi-final defeat of holders St Helens on Sunday.

The former NSW star was superb in both defence and attack to help the Giants defeat the Super League leaders and book a first trip to Wembley in 37 years where they will meet Warrington who also upset the odds to beat Wigan 39-26.

Hodgson put the Giants ahead early on as he received Leroy Cudjoe's offload to finish off a well-worked Warrington move.

The Saints came roaring back into it and drew level when they worked the ball wide for Francis Meli to smash his way through Cudjoe's tackle.

Just after the half-hour mark great work by Kevin Brown helped set up Stephen Wild for the try, with Hodgson adding the extras before he stopped both Leon Pryce and Kyle Eastmond grounding the ball over the Wolves try line.

Lee Gilmour also had a try ruled out for the Saints but Huddersfield soon built on their 10-4 halftime lead.

First Luke Robinson's crossfield kick was finished off by Cudjoe before Kevin Brown also touched down a loose ball to put Huddersfield in sight of Wembley.

St Helens threatened especially after Meli got his second but Hodgson helped seal the victory late on.

A brilliant break and kick ahead allowed Wild to get the decisive score even if Meli did complete his hat-trick with time almost up.

Huddersfield will face Warrington in the final after the Wolves beat Wigan on Saturday.

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