Ex-Huddersfield, Hull KR and Leeds Rhinos man ‘buzzing’ to lead Challenge Cup new boys

A former Wembley star is dreaming of Challenge Cup success this weekend, with a Yorkshire community club.

Mirfield are one of three new teams set to feature in the sport’s oldest knockout competition when it resumes on Saturday.

And the Pennine League Premier Division outfit, based in the town between Dewsbury and Brighouse, have an ace up their sleeve as they aim to sink Cup veterans Royal Navy.

Mirfield are coached by Shaun Lunt, who was a three-time Wembley runner-up, with Huddersfield Giants in 2010, Leeds Rhinos (2011) and  Hull KR (2015).

And to give him even more incentive, the winners of Saturday’s tie will travel to Workington Town, Lunt’s home town club, in round two later this month.

“When I saw the draw, I was buzzing, but we’ve got the Navy to beat first and that’s going to be a tough test,” Lunt told the RFL’s website.

“I’ve actually said in the past I’d love to coach in the Challenge Cup and play Workington – that was one of my goals.

“Sometimes things do get written for you, but I’m sure the Navy will have something to say about that.

“We’ll just take each round as it comes, but a chance to play them would be great and great for the lads as well.”

Lunt hoping to bring Challenge Cup magic to Mirfield

Lunt is in his second season at Mirfield, having retired as a player in 2021 following a stint with Batley Bulldogs.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to get to the final and unfortunate not to win it, but the Challenge Cup has a massive place in my heart and I want to light that magic for everyone in Mirfield,” he added.

“A Challenge Cup appearance was one of our underlying goals when we first got together and we’ve done all the right things to be here.

“It’s the oldest Cup [competition] in rugby league, so to be a part of that and have Mirfield be a part of that history is huge.”

The current Mirfield club was founded in 2022 and runs men’s and women’s sides, as well as multiple junior teams.

Founder Mikey Otty recalled: “Our first season was a bit of a struggle. We competed in the Pennine League and it was a case of whoever would put their hand up on a Sunday afternoon.

“We finished second that season and then in Shaun’s first year, we managed to get over 20 people training and made every final. We’ve done that again in 2024 and went on to win the league.

“Since the draw has been made, we’ve been brainstorming. We’ve been working on a programme, we’ve been in touch with the Navy for team photos and we’ve booked out function rooms.

“We’re going to sort a hotel with Navy and make a night of it with them too. I think it’s brilliant for a team like Royal Navy to come to Mirfield, because when else are they going to come here? It’s a one-off really.

“There’s such a buzz and there’s going to be a big crowd here on the day. For us, it’s about promoting this cup game and making sure the whole of Mirfield is there and watching.”