SL clubs should enter Cup in earlier rounds - Smith
ROHAN Smith thinks Super League clubs should enter the Challenge Cup at an earlier stage of the competition.
The Leeds Rhinos head coach will see his side take on St Helens in the last 16 of the competition this week, their first game on the road to Wembley.
Super League clubs need win only three games to reach the final.
They enter the sixth round stage, where they are joined by the four surviving clubs who have navigated their way through the previous rounds.
Smith was initially asked for his thoughts on the final taking place earlier this year, with the Wembley showcase moving from August to June.
In response, he said: “I don’t know the ins and outs of who is making the decisions but it feels like it’s right being earlier in the year.
“I probably feel like we should have come in a round or two ago, but I don’t know the ins and outs of those conversations.
“There are already a lot of games in the season, but we understand how exciting the Challenge Cup is for our club and the game itself.
“I think it would be exciting to see more out-of-the-ordinary matchups earlier in the competition.
“I haven’t given it a lot of thought; it would mean a lot to get a win over St Helens and keep ourselves chasing that Wembley dream.”
Smith previously coached in the Championship with Bradford Bulls and believes the opportunity to take on Super League opposition can be a benefit to clubs lower down the pyramid.
“I think they’re exciting, those opportunities can help grow the game or reward some of the clubs that have to work hard for a penny.
“To have a big club come to their own ground would be an exciting one but we’re super excited to have St Helens come to AMT Headingley again and if last week is anything to go by, it will be a great occasion.”