CUP KEY FOR LEE
Hull target Wembley return
LEE RADFORD has warned his Challenge Cup holders to stop putting him through the wringer.
Hull clawed their way back from the death against bottom club Widnes last Sunday to pull off a sensational win.
But Radford says coming from 22-0 down to win 33-22 is not good for his health.
He said: “The group know we can come back in that situation, but we shouldn’t be in that spot in the first place. And we can’t find ourselves there again.”
The away win kept Hull second in Super League but it’s the cup that holds a special place in the club’s heart.
They sent rivals St Helens, Catalans and Wigan packing on their way to the final last year, where they narrowly beat Warrington.
It was their first win at Wembley ® and Radford is desperate to get back there and hold on to the trophy.
He said: “We have spoken all the way through pre-season and the campaign so far about being at our best for knockout rugby and that is the plan.
“We’re happy with where we’re at but we know that there’s still so much more to come.”
Hull have won four on the bounce ahead of tonight’s home sixthround tie with Catalans but are missing several senior players.
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Captain Gareth Ellis, Carlos Tuimavave and Fetuli Talanoa are injured, while Sika Manu is suspended.
But the Dragons, who have lost their last three games, will be without 11 key players.
Salford and Hull KR also clash tonight in a repeat of last year’s ‘Million Pound Game’. Salford saved their Super League lives with an extra-time golden-point win to doom Rovers to relegation.
Red Devils coach Ian Watson said: “They’ll be coming to make a statement that they are a Super League team, not a Championship side.
“We’re going to have to be really fired up and ready. I’ve watched some of their games and they are playing some good stuff.”
Rovers boss Tim Sheens, who was director of rugby at Salford last year, said: “Salford will have no fears playing against us.
“The first thing is for our players to believe we are capable of going there and competing. Hopefully we have enough class to win it.”
Championship side Dewsbury host Wakefield in tonight’s other Challenge Cup tie. ¬Ê FEATHERSTONE booked their last-eight slot with a 24-12 win at home to Halifax last night. Scott Turner (two), John Davies and Josh Hardcastle all crossed the try line for the hosts.