Tyrer – Widnes eying cup shock
Widnes Vikings points machine Steve Tyrer is confident his side can pull off a Carnegie Challenge Cup upset and progress to the quarter-finals by defeating fifth round opponents Hull FC when the sides clash at the Stobart Stadium on Saturday (3.00pm).
Tyrer can already lay claim to holding a Challenge Cup winner’s medal from his time at St Helens despite not playing in the final and that is something he’s dreaming of changing this season.
“Francis Meli was sick a few days before one final game and I thought I would start, but he recovered and got his spot and I just missed out,” recalled Tyrer.
“It would mean a lot to me to get the chance to appear in a final because that medal is very important to me and to play in the final at Wembley would be special – getting there won’t be easy though, we’re facing a very good side.
“It was great for us to progress and we were all watching the draw hoping we’d get a big Super League side and they don’t get much bigger than Hull.
“All the guys want to earn a Super League contract and a big performance against Hull will help in that process.”
Tyrer, who joined Widnes permanently at the start of this season following several loan spells with the club, has been in sensational form so far this season leading the points-scoring charts across all competitions and he dedicated his form to his coach Denis Betts, a man who knows all about the Challenge Cup.
“I’ve settled in very well,” said the centre. “I’ve been here before and have a good relationship with all the staff and Denis has come in and shown a lot of faith in me as a player and that’s given me a lot of confidence on the pitch.
“He’s a coach who has played in eight Challenge Cup finals so he’s really pushing for us to make it as far as we can and get to the final. His experience is something we draw upon if needed.
“Denis isn’t the type of coach to bring his success up a lot but he’s got the experience that a lot of players can use and that could be useful ahead of this game.
“Personally it’s a massive game for me, I rate Martin Gleeson as one of the best centres in the country so I’m looking forward to going up against him and it’s a great challenge for all the players because we all want to play against Super League opposition and test ourselves against the best.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game and the Hull players aren’t going to go easy on us but we’re a fit side, we’re strong and if we’ve got the heart then I don’t see any reason why we can’t come out victorious in the game.”
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round contest between Widnes Vikings and Hull FC at the Stobart Stadium on Saturday May 21 (3.00pm). Advance tickets for the game are available on 01514 952250 priced at £12 for adults and £6 for U16’s and OAP/Students. Cash turnstiles will be in operation on game day priced £15 and £10 respectively.
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley on Saturday August 27 are available by calling 0844 856 1113 or visiting
www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
For more information about the Carnegie Challenge Cup visit www.carnegiechallengecup.co.uk