Half-back Jamie Doran is expecting Leeds Rhinos to be on top of their game as the two sides meet tonight in the fifth round of the Coral Challenge Cup.
Doran is relishing the prospect of his Workington Town side playing against Leeds’ big guns at Headingley (ko 7.45pm), and he says all the pressure will be on the Super League side to deliver.
But he admitted that despite their poor form at the start of this year, which sees them bottom of the Super League table, Leeds will be a tough prospect.
“We said in training there is no pressure on us, it is all on Leeds to put in a good performance,” said the Town vice captain.
“There is nothing on our heads and we will go into this game as we would any other. I am not too worried about the scoreline, it is more about our performance.
“We just don’t know if they are going to come out and have a stormer or if it is the right time to catch them.
“But we will be expecting them to be at their best. They have not won numerous trophies and the Challenge Cup for no reason.
“They are obviously very capable of being one of the best teams so we won’t be taking them lightly.
“Their recent form has not been the best so this could be a good time to play them but I’m sure they will be well prepared.”
And he admitted running out at Headingley will be an amazing experience for his side, one they were all looking forward to.
He added: “Some of the lads have not played on a big stage like Headingley before so it will be a great experience for everyone, even the older lads who have been there before. It is still an amazing achievement – although there might be a few more nerves than normal running out onto Headingley.”
Doran also paid tribute to Town’s faithful following, with seven coaches full of supporters ready to travel down and cheer them on, plus plenty more in cars.
And he said that their support would be crucial to the team.
“The more fans we can get down there the better, because we will be able to hear them and that always spurs us on, as it does every week,” he said.
Town have added a new face to the squad on the eve of the game with talented half-back Izaac Farrell joining on a season-long loan from Huddersfield Giants and going straight into the squad.
A spokesman said: “Izaac is an exciting talent and will be a great addition to the squad. We’re looking to make more signings over the coming weeks but we have to make sure they are quality signings. Izaac certainly fits that.”
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