Bradford Bulls confident of cup KO (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls prop Bryn Hargreaves confident of knocking Wolves off cup perch

8:30am Saturday 28th April 2012 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Bryn Hargreaves has warned Warrington that Bradford are ready for war as they bid to reach the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-finals this afternoon.

Mick Potter’s men are rated as underdogs going into the fifth-round tie but victories over St Helens and Leeds in recent weeks has illustrated their ability to compete with the leading sides.

Warrington, who were fortunate to come away with the two points when they travelled to Odsal earlier in the season, are bidding to win the cup for the third time in four years under Tony Smith.

In-form Bulls prop Hargreaves, who lifted the famous old trophy with St Helens in 2008, said: “Teams like Warrington are expected to go all the way and are not going to hold anything back from the off – but neither are we.

“It’s Challenge Cup football, it’s knockout, and you play with that mentality.

“Form doesn’t really count for all that much in these games but obviously we will take some confidence from our recent performances.

Form doesn’t really count for all that much in these games but obviously we will take some confidence from our recent performances

Bryn Hargreaves

“We know that Warrington have been to Wembley in the past few years and will want to go back.

“We definitely want to get there and it’s huge for the obvious financial reasons.

“The club’s predicament off the pitch is something we know about but can’t think about too much as players, although it’s obviously a massive factor.

“We’d love to have a good cup run for the fans because the club has had a big slump over the past few years and now we’re in transition.

“The supporters have stood by us so we want to go out there and give them something to cheer about.”

Hargreaves, 26, looks back at the Challenge Cup he won with Saints with immense pride.

St Helens beat Hull 28-16 and Hargreaves recalled: “The best moment of my career? Definitely.

“Starting at Wembley in front of all those people in a Challenge Cup final – it doesn’t get much better than that.

“The Australians talk about it being the big difference when they come over here and the game they want to play in.

“As English kids you grow up watching the Challenge Cup final and it’s a special feeling just to be involved in the final and win it.

“It’s a very proud and humbling moment. I remember walking out and my heart just jumping out of my chest really.

“The game was pretty much a blur to be honest. But I remember feeling awesome afterwards and it’s a special feeling to share with all your team-mates.

“It wasn’t a runaway win and went down to the wire. Jon Wilkin came out and charged down a kick on the last play.

“That was sort of the deciding moment in the game. That’s when I thought ‘there’s a good chance we’ve won this’.

“When the final hooter goes, you can’t believe your luck and it’s a great feeling.”

The Bulls are boosted by the return of Heath L’Estrange after a two-match ban, while Brett Kearney and Luke Gale are hoping to be passed fit after injury.