Andy Gregory to renew love affair with Challenge Cup this weekend
Seven-time Challenge Cup winner Andy Gregory will renew his love affair with the competition this weekend – as coach of his beloved community club Wigan St Patricks.
The former Great Britain international will take his Wigan St Pats team to Rochdale Mayfield in round one on Saturday.
Gregory made eight appearances at Wembley during his career, winning the Lance Todd Trophy twice.
The ex-Wigan and Widnes great began his career with Wigan St Patricks as a 16-year-old. He returned to the club just before Christmas as he took over the head coaching reins.
Andy Gregory urges Wigan St Patricks to draw from magic of the Cup
He said: “Amateur clubs didn’t play in the Challenge Cup when I was at St Pats as a young lad; and I think it’s brilliant that they’re now involved in these early rounds.
“It’s a bit tricky coming when it does, as the first game of the season with a few more weeks before we start in the league, so we’re missing a few people this weekend and it’s going to be a tough game anyway up at Mayfield.
“But you never know in the Cup – that’s why it’s such a special competition and that’s what I’ll be saying to the lads. Go out there, give it your best and you never know.
“I’ve been out of the game for a while so it’s nice to be involved in the Challenge Cup again.”
The tie at Rochdale Mayfield is one of the 14 round one ties this weekend. It will be streamed on The Sportsman.
The clash between Orrell St James and the British Army will be shown on the BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website. The RFL’s Our League channel will stream live coverage of the tie Bentley and Stanningley on Sunday.
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