Dickens hoping to write another Cup classic

Featherstone Rovers captain Stuart Dickens says he is relishing the chance to lead his side out in the club’s biggest Cup game in almost two decades when they welcome defending Carnegie Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors to the Big Fellas Stadium on Friday April 27 (8.00pm).

Rovers secured their place in the fifth round of the Cup after a thrilling victory over Castleford Tigers and Dickens is calling for the fans to turn out in force once again to help spur the side on as they seek to cause one of the greatest upsets in Challenge Cup history.

“Beating Castleford was a fantastic experience and I’d go as far as to say it’s probably the best game that I’ve been involved in during my time at the club,” said Dickens. “The atmosphere was amazing and to play the way we did and get a great win over a local rival is a truly special moment in my career.

“Now we’ve got another massive challenge ahead of us against Wigan. It’s been a long time since Wigan last played at our ground so it’s a big day for the spectators and hopefully they’ll come out in force for us because they made the difference against Cas.

“In the second half we were on the defensive for a long period and the fans really got behind us and gave us the belief we needed to get through so it would be great to see that repeated. But hopefully it won’t just be Featherstone fans who support us – it would be great if some of the Castleford and Wakefield adopted us as their team and gave us their support as well.”

After shocking their Super League neighbours in a 23-16 victory the Featherstone players have had to re-focus their efforts on a Co-operative Championship clash with Swinton Lions but Dickens says the side will need no incentives when it comes to facing Wigan.

“We had a few days off after the last win to enjoy the experience but we’ve had to re-focus and get back into training,” he said. “We’ve had a game against Swinton to contend with first and the league is our main focus this season but we won’t need any extra motivation against Wigan.

“I’m really looking forward to the game. Personally I grew up as a Wigan fan but I’ve never played against them at first grade level so it’s something I’m personally looking forward to.

“I know the lads are all relishing the chance to take on the likes of Sam Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin as well because they’re some of the best players in the game.

“We did a great job against Castleford and our game plan paid off. We’ll need to work hard during the week and we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure we limit their threats but we’ll be going out there to challenge them and try and put ourselves in the best position to make it through to the next round.”

Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup fifth round tie, Featherstone Rovers v Wigan Warriors at the Big Fellas Stadium on Friday April 27 (8.00pm) cost from just £16 Adults, £10 Concessions and £5 Juniors and can be purchased by calling the ticket office on 01977 702386.

Tickets for the 2012 Carnegie Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 25 cost from just £21 and are now on sale. Family tickets giving access to one of British sport’s most historic fixtures to two adults and two children are also available, priced £55 or £79.

To purchase tickets please call the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or visitwww.carnegiechallengecup.co.uk