Leigh Leopards Prepare to Face Tough Challenge Against Hull KR in Rugby League Challenge Cup Quarter-Final

Leigh Leopards head coach Adrian Lam has labeled Hull KR as the “red-hot favourites” ahead of their highly anticipated Rugby League Challenge Cup quarter-final clash this weekend. The two sides will renew their rivalry in a replay of last year’s Challenge Cup final, which the Leopards won.

Speaking on the club’s YouTube channel, Lam acknowledged the difficulty of playing at Craven Park, which has been a sold-out venue for Hull KR in recent times. > “Yeah, obviously it’s a tough place to go up to and play really well. They’ve got the big crowd behind them and they’ll be red hot favourites and so they should be, I think,” Lam said.

The Leopards’ coach was also quick to praise Hull KR’s recent form, noting their “scintillating” performances and big scores over the past month. > “I know if we go up there and we’re not quite on it, it could happen to us. They’re red hot favourites as I mentioned, so we’ve got to play well,” Lam added.

The Challenge Cup Quarter-Final

The Challenge Cup quarter-final between Leigh Leopards and Hull KR is scheduled for a 5 pm kick-off on Saturday evening and will be broadcast live on BBC 2 and the BBC iPlayer. Lam was asked if the Leopards were using their role as the current holders of the trophy as extra motivation, to which he responded:

“I think you do that at the start of the Challenge Cup series and you tap into things as you go along. This week is more about our squad, and where we’re at, and us looking for improvement, and making sure that we defend better than what we’ve been doing.”

The Lasting Impact of the Challenge Cup Victory

The Leopards’ triumph in the 2023 Challenge Cup final was the club’s first in 52 years, and Lam spoke about the lasting impact of that victory. > “Obviously the Challenge Cup final was one of the greatest moments for this club in the last century and one that we’re grateful to be a part of. You never want that to end and the season start again, but it’s come around so quickly. But some memories that we’ll have in our hearts – not only for me and the players, for the whole town,” Lam said.

As the Leopards prepare to defend their title, they will face a tough challenge against a resurgent Hull KR side. The match promises to be an exciting affair, with both teams vying for a place in the final four of the Rugby League Challenge Cup.

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