Warrington Wolves v Leigh Centurions: Ladbrokes Challenge Cup preview
Last Updated: 27/06/15 2:43pm
Leigh coach Paul Rowley has played down his high-flying side's chances of producing another Ladbrokes Challenge Cup shock when they travel to Warrington Wolves on Saturday.
The Kingstone Press Championship leaders have already dumped out two Super League teams en route to the quarter-finals and are eyeing another top-flight scalp, with around 4,000 Centurions fans expected to make the eight-mile journey to the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Leigh have lost just once this season as they push for promotion while Warrington’s recent wobbles – three defeats in four games – have further boosted hopes of a cup upset.
However, Rowley is not getting carried away, wary that the odds remain on the side of Warrington, who have won the competition three times since 2009.
"We're in good form and we want to take that into the game," said Rowley, whose side saw off Salford and Wakefield in the previous two rounds.
"But we will have to be unbelievably good to topple Warrington and we are hoping they have another off day, like they have had one or two of late.
"I can't see it to be honest. They have got a fully-fit squad and their big guns back, but we're looking forward to the challenge. We will have between 4,000 and 5,000 away supporters. That is phenomenal support and we want to do them proud."
Leigh have been exhilarating at times this season - running up more than 50 points on six occasions - but for all their positive rugby, have also acquired a reputation for playing a more physical game.
Their disciplinary record is not flattering, having amassed 15 sin-binnings, three red cards and suspensions totalling 14 games this season.
Wolves coach Tony Smith has instructed his side to focus on their own game as they attempt to reverse their recent slump.
"We just need to play rugby and not get dragged into anything else," said Smith. "I think that has been a distraction for a lot of teams. If we remain disciplined we will be okay.
"We have got a great affinity with the Challenge Cup and have had success before. We are looking forward to it."
Warrington Wolves: Roy Asotasi, Ryan Atkins, Chris Bridge, Daryl Clark, Ben Currie, Brad Dwyer, Ben Harrison, Chris Hill, George King, James Laithwaite, Joel Monaghan, Richie Myler, Gareth O’Brien, Gene Ormsby, Kevin Penny, Joe Philbin, Stefan Ratchford, Ashton Sims, Ben Westwood.
Leigh Centurions: Tom Armstrong, Bob Beswick, Ryan Brierley, Andrew Dixon, Jake Emmitt, Tommy Goulden, Adam Higson, Gareth Hock, Sam Hopkins, Liam Kay, Gregg McNally, Fuifui Moimoi, Mathias Pala, Jonny Pownall, Martyn Ridyard, Matt Sarsfield, Tom Spencer, Oliver Wilkes, Greg Worthington.