St Helens v Warrington: Saints want success in ‘hugely prestigious’ Challenge Cup

St Helens head coach Paul Wellens is targeting a first Challenge Cup success in charge of his hometown team.

Wellens, who won the competition five times as a player, will send Saints out against Warrington in the quarter-finals on Sunday.

“Being a St Helens boy and growing up here it is something that’s always been there,” he told BBC Radio Merseyside

“I’ve said before it’s a hugely prestigious competition, not just in rugby league, but in world sport.”

He continued: “It’s a competition that excites us and we want to be successful in. That’s a huge motivator for us every year.

“There’s no second chances and we’re excited about the challenge ahead.”

Saints, who lost at league leaders Catalans last week, welcome a Wire side who have the same record in Super League as them this season, with five wins and two defeats from seven matches.

Wellens believes Wolves counterpart Sam Burgess has made a strong start in his first head coach role.

“I think you have to say they’ve been very impressive,” he said.

“Big Sam has gone there and done a really good job, in his first year as a head coach. After my experiences last year I know how difficult that can be.

“His team are playing well and they’ve got a really good work ethic about them, which I think any good team needs. Within that they have a lot of good players and individuals that can hurt you.”