McAvoy ready for Hunslet Cup clash
Workington Town will not be taking anything for granted when they take on Championship One side Hunslet Hawks in the fourth round of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup, according to Liam McAvoy.
McAvoy, who spent three years with the youth teams at Leeds Rhinos and Bradford Bulls, is relishing the opportunity to play at senior level, even more so considering he is at his hometown club.
“It’s really good,” said McAvoy. “I’m really enjoying being back home and getting first team experience and being part of a first team squad.
“It was a bit of a jump at first. I felt the step up but I got myself into it pretty quickly and while I enjoyed it at youth level it’s a good time for me to be playing with the first team.
“We’ve done alright so far. We could have recorded a couple more wins which got away from us due to a lack of concentration mainly, but the side lost a few players from last season so there has been a lot of adjusting, but the likes of the dual registration lads from Wigan have helped.
“Phil Veivers has been really good, too. He’s brought in his own systems which has helped the team out and we’re starting to get used to them now. It wasn’t quite coming off at first but it’s coming together.”
McAvoy has taken well to senior Rugby League, twice being selected for the Kingstone Press Championship Team of the Week.
The former England Academy player said: “I was playing second row for the two games I got selected and I don’t normally play there so I was surprised. Pleased, but surprised.”
McAvoy has a good idea of what to expect from their opponents, and says they will be shown the respect they deserve.
“They’re the league below but they’re a good side,” he said. “I played with them for a game last season and they’ve got a good set-up. They’re going well in the league so they’ll be coming to us full of confidence looking to turn a Championship side over.
“It’s exciting knowing that if we get through we could be up against a Super League team. It’s what we all love about the Challenge Cup. From the Championship the likes of Leeds and Wigan seem miles away but we’re 80 minutes away from potentially playing them.
“It would be nice to get further in the Cup, but it’d mean playing a lot of games and when there is so much at stake with five teams going down this year, I think we’d all prefer to get a Super League team in the next round if we get through. It’d be a great experience.”
Tickets for the Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round tie, Hunslet Hawks v Workington Town, at South Leeds Stadium on Sunday (2.00pm) are priced at £12 for adults and £8 for concessions
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