JOSH CHARNLEY knows just what it takes to win the Challenge Cup – and is looking to help Leigh Leopards repeat their famous feat.
Two years ago, Charnley was part of the side which beat Hull KR in golden-point extra time to lift the trophy at Wembley.
Leigh are the third different club with which the winger has won the Cup, after Wigan Warriors (2011 and 2013) and Warrington Wolves (2019).
It’s Warrington who stand in the Leopards’ way of a return to the final, with a finely-poised last-four clash in prospect at St Helens’ Totally Wicked Stadium this Sunday.
Only seven of Leigh’s 17 from the 2023 showpiece remain – there’s also Gareth O’Brien, Lachlan Lam, Edwin Ipape, Robbie Mulhern, Jack Hughes and Matt Davis – but those memories will spur on the old guard.
“What they did for the homecoming, what it did for the town, it was massive,” said Charnley.
“We’re 80 minutes away from that (final) so we won’t get carried away but it’s a big game, a big occasion.
“There are new boys who have never played at Wembley so it will be good for them.”
It’s been a difficult start to the season for Charnley, sidelined for two months by a knee injury suffered in round one and then aggravated in training.
“Being injured is unfamiliar territory for me,” said the 33-year-old.
“I’ve been quite blessed through my career not to be out for a period of time. It’s been frustrating but I’m glad to be back.
“It was just a freakish incident I had in training. As I warmed up I felt something pop, it had recurred and I had to get it operated on. It happens with old age!”
While out of action, Charnley saw a much-changed and notably younger Leigh side make a strong start to the Super League season.
“Keanan (Brand, who took Charnley’s spot) has had to come in and do a job, he had a really good pre-season which has put him in the position he is in now,” he said.
“Tesi (Nui) has brought a lot of pace and power in the outside backs and Davy Armstrong is rapid and very skilful.
“The lads we’ve brought in have bought into what Lammy (coach Adrian Lam) has preached and coached over the pre-season.
“We’ve got some very exciting players and a lot of young talent coming through. It’s good for the club, because it means there is competition all the way through the team.
“There are more players in there and we’ve recruited well, we’ve handpicked people to come in and fit into positions.
“There’s talent, there’s excitement, the club is building in the right direction, which is good to be a part of.”
In the league, the Leopards’ aim is to go one step further than last season’s first semi-final appearance and reach Old Trafford.
But first, that shot at a Challenge Cup repeat awaits.
“It was another name on the trophy, not just your top teams who are there all the time,” added Charnley.
“Hopefully we can get it again.”