Barrow Raiders: Josh Wood confident in Challenge Cup upset
Barrow Raiders hooker Josh Wood believes his side could cause a Challenge Cup upset as they host Huddersfield in the sixth round.
Wood, 26, made the switch to the Cumbrian side during the off-season from Wakefield.
The Wigan-born player began his career at Salford, making his debut in 2015.
He has been a part of Barrow’s unbeaten run so far in 2022, which sees them third in the Championship table with four wins and one draw.
Paul Crarey’s side host Super League’s Huddersfield Giants with both teams fighting for a spot in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup.
A big crowd is expected at the Matt Johnson Prestige Stadium, home of Barrow Raiders, and Wood believes his side have the talent to progress.
Josh Wood: “It will be a good game”
“I don’t feel like the pressure is on us,” Wood told Love Rugby League.
“They’re a Super League team and want to progress as far as they can. We’re the underdogs.
“We’ve been the underdogs plenty of times this year where we’ve come out on top, like at Widnes.
“We thrive on that.
“We’ve scored some good tries and done lots of good stuff in games. We just need to be a bit more consistent, then I think we’ll be a lot better.
“I’ve played against most of them (Huddersfield players) before. I’ve played alongside Josh Jones and Tui Lolohea, so I know what they bring. I’ll be bringing my expertise and will be letting the team know what they’re about.”
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Cup upset on the cards?
When asked if his side could cause an upset, Wood replied: “Definitely. As long as we keep being consistent.
“We’ve shown what we can do at the likes of Widnes and we’ve scored some great tries and done some good stuff in defence.
“I think we’ve got the second best defence in the Championship up to now. With a bit of consistency, I think it will be a good game.”
The tie will be broadcast live on BBC, with a 4:30pm kick-off.
The winners will host Hull FC in the quarter-finals.
Challenge Cup: Quarter-finals draw made
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