Quins prop Ward has unfinished business

Harlequins prop Danny Ward admits he has unfinished Challenge Cup business and hopes to put things right, starting with Saturday’s fourth round tie against Wakefield Wildcats at the Twickenham Stoop.

The 29-year-old has twice been in the losing team in Challenge Cup finals, and hopes it will be third time lucky in 2010.

“The Challenge Cup has always meant a lot to me. Growing up it is a massive occasion and a final at Wembley was always the game you dreamed of playing in.”

Ward’s dream came true twice with Leeds Rhinos; first against Bradford in 2003 and then against Hull FC in 2005. Leeds lost on both occasions, something Ward has not forgotten.

“The weeks building up to them created a lot of excitement around the club and makes everything you put yourself through for rugby worthwhile. However, losing in those finals were the toughest moments in my career. I want to win it and so always look forward to the next opportunity to get another crack at it.”

The first challenge for Harlequins in this year’s competition is Wakefield, who the Londoners have already faced once this season.

“Having played earlier in the season has given us a bit of an insight, but it’s all about Saturday – you only get one bite of the cherry. [Wakefield head coach] John Kear is a specialist when it comes to the Challenge Cup and Wakefield have had some good runs in recent years, however all form goes out of the window when it comes to the cup.”

Quins will be boosted by a strong showing against St Helens last weekend. Whilst Saints narrowly won, Ward said the team have been boosted by the performance.

“Our performance against Saints has done us a lot of good. We were still very disappointed not to get the win; whilst our performance was good, we set ourselves the target of victory. That said, it’s given us a lot to build upon and training has been good this week.”