
Leeds Rhinos will give Wests Warriors the respect they deserve when the amateur outfit travel up to Headingley next week. That’s the message from Brad Arthur who insists he will be smart with his team selection but has suggested that a number of first-teamers could get a run out.
The Warriors travel to Headingley on Saturday, February 8 to take on the Rhinos after beating Eastern Rhinos and the Army to reach the third round of the competition. The London based side have racked up 102 points in those two games and they’ll make the journey north inspired by the magic of the cup.
Of course, the expectation is that Leeds will be the team progressing to the next round of the competition after a fairly one-sided game in West Yorkshire. However, Arthur will not be taking anything for granted as he readies himself for his first experience of the Challenge Cup.
He won’t be naming all of his stars to play the Warriors, especially with the start of the Super League campaign now just around the corner. But, the head coach won’t be taking it too lightly with a number of familiar names expected to get a run out.
“I’m new to all the systems and how things happen over here so I’m just rolling with it,” Arthur said after Sunday’s friendly win over Wigan Warriors. “Out of respect to the whole competition and the Challenge Cup and wanting our boys to have that winning mentality going into every game.
“We’re not going to win every game but we need to go in with that mentality that we’re trying to. Out of respect to the Wests Warriors and the competition, I’ll be doing it smartly but I’ll be picking a team to go and win.”
Leeds Rhinos are one of three Super League teams taking on community clubs in the next round of the competition with Hull FC facing York Acorn at Featherstone and St Helens travelling to Craven Park to face West Hull.
