Leigh Centurions head coach Paul Rowley believes this year’s Tetley’s Challenge Cup has given the Championship a chance to show what it is made of, with plenty of sides outside Super League still remaining in the competition.
The draw has ensured there will be at least two Championship sides in the last eight following this weekend’s cup ties, and Rowley – whose unbeaten Leigh side host second-place Featherstone on Sunday – is expecting a wonderful atmosphere at Leigh Sports Village.
“Both sides have tremendous support,” said Rowley. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see near 4,000 people there for the tie. It has really captured everyone’s imagination.
“It is a really good draw and of course both teams have a chance of progressing to the next round, the quarter finals.
“We are the top two Championship teams, and we have enjoyed lots of close battles with Featherstone over the years. We totally respect one another and in the build-up to the match we will remain respectful of Featherstone.
“But there is no getting past the fact that it is a really attractive fixture for the fans, and for the neutrals, and everyone is really buying into it. We are just chasing the dream.”
You can read a full preview of Leigh v Featherstone – including more thoughts from Paul Rowley – in tonight’s DIGITAL ONLY edition of League Express, which is released at 7:30pm.
