Leeds winger Briscoe savouring local spice at Wembley
Leeds winger Tom Briscoe feels that the Yorkshire rivalry on show at this year’s Challenge Cup final adds a touch of extra seasoning to the occasion.
The Rhinos are tangling with near-neighbours Castleford. Briscoe hails from Featherstone, so he is well aware of the passion that the Tigers fans will bring to Wembley.
“Obviously coming from Featherstone there’s a big derby feeling there with Fev and Cas,” he told Love Rugby League.
“So it’s always nice to get one over on them. But this week, I think we need to put that to the side.
“It’s just the Cup final. You’ve got to be on your game because it’s the Cup final. You don’t need any other specual things to be said to get you up for the game.
“I think it’s great for Yorkshire to have two sides within the Cup final.
“I think the amount of sport of everything else that’s gone through Yorkshire this year has been great.
“So hopefully we can fill Wembley with support and get a full crowd there.”
Briscoe is also determined to enjoy the build-up to the occasion, something which, as younger player, he often let pass by him.
“This is the week that comes with finals, and the Challenge Cup is one of excitement, and one to savour,” he added.
“Looking back at my times in the cups and when I’ve played in the first year I didn’t quite take it all in.
“But last year I made the most of what experiences I had there, and the same again this week.
“I’m really enjoying training, and obviously going down to Wembley and getting to play in front of 70-80,000 fans is incredible.”
Castleford possess threats all over the field, with pace out wide as well as in the middle. Briscoe knows that Leeds need to prepare thoroughly to be able to combat the likes of Daryl Clark, Marc Sneyd and Michael Shenton.
“It makes them a tough team to play against, there’s a bit of the unknown,” said the winger.
“They can attack from anywhere and from any position within the field. You’ve got to be on your game throughout.
“We know that, and we’ll be preparing this week to combat what we think they’re going to throw at us.
“I think that we can expect everything from Castleford. They’ve shown throughout Super League and the Challenge Cup this year that they are a decent side, who throw a lot of football at teams, and make you be on your game defensively in order to win against them.”
One player who will be facing Briscoe directly is Cas winger Justin Carney. The powerful Australian poses some testing physical questions of whoever he plays against.
“I think I best get tackling Kyle Leuluai and players like that to prepare myself for that!” Briscoe joked.
“Obviously he’s a good player, and a big, strong player who’s massive for them, coming out of yardage he’s scored some good tries this season.
“So it’s a challenge and one I’m looking forward to.”
The 24-year-old is also looking to make an impression in the final, as a way of helping cement his place in the England squad for the Four Nations at the end of the season.
“That’s a step ahead, but I want to be able to get on the tour with England again, and be part of that team come the end of the season,” he said.
“But I think all our concentration and focus is on this game.”