St Helens v Warrington: Saints want success in 'hugely prestigious' Challenge Cup
- Published
Super League: Catalans Dragons edge past St Helens - highlights
Betfred Challenge Cup quarter final: St Helens v Warrington |
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Venue: Totally Wicked Stadium Date: Sunday, 14 April Kick-off: 16:30 BST Coverage: Live on BBC 2, BBC iPlayer, red button, website and app, live on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra and BBC Radio Merseyside |
St Helens head coach Paul Wellens is targeting a first Challenge Cup success in charge of his hometown team.
Wellens, who won the competition five times as a player, will send Saints out against Warrington in the quarter-finals on Sunday.
"Being a St Helens boy and growing up here it is something that's always been there," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.
"I've said before it's a hugely prestigious competition, not just in rugby league, but in world sport."
He continued: "It's a competition that excites us and we want to be successful in. That's a huge motivator for us every year.
"There's no second chances and we're excited about the challenge ahead."
Saints, who lost at league leaders Catalans last week, welcome a Wire side who have the same record in Super League as them this season, with five wins and two defeats from seven matches.
Wellens believes Wolves counterpart Sam Burgess has made a strong start in his first head coach role.
"I think you have to say they've been very impressive," Wellens said.
"Big Sam has gone there and done a really good job, in his first year as a head coach. After my experiences last year I know how difficult that can be.
"His team are playing well and they've got a really good work ethic about them, which I think any good team needs. Within that they have a lot of good players and individuals that can hurt you."
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Burgess is looking to win the Challenge Cup for the first time in his career, having spent the vast majority of his playing days in the NRL with South Sydney.
He is hopeful his side can build on their impressive 34-8 win at Leeds Rhinos last week.
"The challenge for the team is to go to another hostile environment and put the same kind of performance together," Burgess said.
"That counts for nothing this week though and we've got to attack the week like we normally would."
He added: "They're a great team and have had a lot of success. Wello's young in his career like I am but he has got them playing a good style of rugby."