Richards confident ahead of Cup encounter
Catalans may have lost their last game against Warrington but Pat Richards says the Dragons will come into their Challenge Cup quarter-final with Hull FC confident.
Richards, an Irish international and former Wigan player, is happy with the effort from his team this year and believes that their game against the Wolves last week in which they narrowly lost by two points is just what they needed ahead of the Cup clash against the league leaders.
“I think that game against the Wolves was the perfect preparation if I’m being honest,” he said.
“It was another great effort for 80 minutes from our boys. Everyone’s talking about who we’ve got in and who we’ve got out, it doesn’t matter.
“The commitment is there and we’ve taken a lot of confidence from the Warrington game into the Hull game because we’re going to need it against the form team in the competition.
“They’re playing at home and it doesn’t come much tougher, but we’re looking forward to the challenge.
“These are the big months now with the Challenge Cup and the Super 8s. We’re going to go there and do our best knowing there’s a chance to make it to Wembley.”
Richards is aiming for a hat-trick of Cup final appearances after successful visits with Wigan Warriors in 2011 and 2013 but knows there is still a lot of work to be done with the Dragons before he can start to give advice to those who have never experienced Wembley before.
“I’m lucky enough to have been down there. If we keep going in the competition then me and few of the boys will have a chat about it but at the moment it’s a long way away,” the 34-year old said.
“If we were to reach Wembley and the opponent was Wigan it would be perfect and wouldn’t bother me at all, I’d be pleased we’re both there and Catalans made the final.
“First and foremost, we’ve got to focus on Saturday. It’s great to have a little break from Super League and throw our attention to the Cup.
“In 80 minutes in Rugby League anything can happen and I’m really looking forward to this game.”