Challenge Cup ‘means a lot’ says St Helens coach Paul Rowley

Saints are currently fifth in the Super League table, with Catalans one place below them.

Rowley said: “I think we’ve had a really strong start to the season.

“We’ve definitely changed how we look in terms of how we play and we’ve found some ways of winning by continuing to play through tough moments.”

The Dragons breezed past Oldham 58-0 to reach the last eight and are also coming off a league victory after beating fellow French outfit Toulouse 33-26 on Saturday.

The two sides’ previous meeting in February resulted in a dominant 36-4 triumph for St Helens in Perpignan.

Rowley said: “The best version of Catalans is a very dangerous one, so we need to be proactive and make sure our standards are on form.

“If we do that and worry about what we’re going to bring to the party then we feel we’ll be okay.

“They’ve got some fantastic players, the outside backs in particular, (Charlie) Staines, (Toby) Sexton, and a fantastic spine with Kruise Leeming as well.”

St Helens, who will be without Agnatius Paasi and Shane Wright due to injuries, last lifted the cup in 2021, with Catalans winning their first Challenge Cup in 2018 when they shocked Warrington at Wembley.

Rowley added: “It’s a cup final feel. For the clubs, for ourselves and the supporters, we’re connected from top to bottom and I think we all need to cover that burden and responsibility to bring some life to the stadium.

“You don’t get many opportunities to win silverware.”