Finn wary of Kear’s Bulldogs
Liam Finn wants Castleford Tigers to prepare for their Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round tie against Batley Bulldogs at Loverugbyleague.com Stadium on Sunday (2.00pm) as if they were playing Super League opposition.
Finn, 30, has plenty of experience of Rugby League in the second tier, having joined Castleford from Championship club Featherstone Rovers in the off-season and is well aware of the threat that Batley, coached by John Kear, pose.
“Batley are a proven side,” said Finn. “They have nearly dumped Super League teams out of the competition a couple of times in the recent past.
“Championship sides have real quality and I think Super League clubs can be surprised when they play them, they know very little about Championship teams.
“And of course in their coach they have a name that is synonymous with the Challenge Cup, with John having won it with Sheffield Eagles and Hull FC.
“He knows how to get the best out of his team and there is no doubt that they will be trying to take a big scalp, like they have already gone close to doing in the past.
“You can’t prepare for playing on that field at Batley, but that’s the beauty of the Cup. That’s what English sport is all about, ties like this.
“I can’t see it being anything other than a difficult tie, and we will have to treat the game like a Super League match.”
Finn doesn’t want Castleford to be lured into a false sense of security after the Tigers’ impressive start to the campaign. They have won six of their first seven matches though Finn, who is loving life with his new club, believes coach Daryl Powell commands the full commitment from all his squad.
“Hopefully we will not get carried away by our good start to the season,” said Finn. “We have not been perfect and have not played as good as we know we can so far – we had a slight slip up against Salford.
“I’m enjoying playing for Castleford though. I am really happy to be in the team and, when the team is doing well, there is no better job in the world.
“I am also really enjoying working with Daryl. Everybody knows who is boss but at the same time the lads trust him and know that they can speak to him. He is a very good man-manager and definitely has the respect of the team.”
Tickets for the Batley Bulldogs v Castleford Tigers Tetley’s Challenge Cup tie at Loverugbyleague.com Stadium, Batley on Sunday April 6 (2.00pm) can be purchased from as little as £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and £3 for children.
Photo credit: SWpix