Wild looking for victory over Rovers

Stephen Wild believes that North Wales Crusaders are well-equipped to cause an upset, when they play Featherstone Rovers in the Challenge Cup fifth round this weekend.

The home tie gives the Welsh outfit the chance to reach the sixth round, and maybe clash with one of the big teams from Super League.

“I think people are just hoping that we turn up and give a good performance. We’re getting stronger week by week; we’ve got a decent squad so we can rotate players in this week.” said Wild.

“We know we’ve got to be on top form and put in our best performance of the year so far to get a win against them but stranger things have happened in the Cup – which is one of the best things about it.

“Most of the lads have grown up in rugby league towns and they know what the Challenge Cup means.

“If we can beat Fev this weekend our next goal will be to get a good side from Super League to give these lads an opportunity against some of the best players in the game.”

Wild has played in three Challenge Cup Finals, one with Wigan Warriors and two with Huddersfield Giants. He has been on the losing side each time, but that has not dimmed his passion for the competition.

“It’s a boyhood dream for any player to walk out at Wembley, and I’ve had that honour,” he said.

“Sadly I haven’t won one but it’s certainly a big honour and going down to Wembley for fans and players is still one of the biggest events of the rugby league year.

“We know that Featherstone are a top quality side and one of the top teams in their division.

“They’ve recruited really well this year and it wasn’t that long ago that I saw them beating Castleford in the Cup, so they’ll be looking to get their Cup run going but hopefully we will be able to put a stop to that.”