Leeds emphasis unchanged in pursuit of cup success

Leeds Rhinos will not change their emphasis on the Challenge Cup as they look to progress to the quarter-final stage of the competition for the first time in six years.

Brad Arthur's side take on Wakefield Trinity live on the BBC on Friday (20:00 GMT) with a less than stellar record in the competition in recent seasons.

Since they last lifted the trophy in 2020, Leeds are yet to reach the last eight or beyond.

"We understand that it's make or break, there's no second chance with it and I'm sure the boys are quite aware of that," Arthur told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We just need to play our game, believe in what we do, and give it our best shot.

"[We put the] same emphasis we put on it last year, and I don't know what's happened in previous years.

"We're in a good position, we've got a good squad, we know how we want to play."

Arthur's first taste of the Challenge Cup last year ended with his side being knocked out at the fourth round stage by St Helens.

He has, however, come to realise the importance of the competition in the northern hemisphere since his arrival from Australia.

"It means something to me too. I like the format, I like the idea of it, and I want to be a part of right to the end," he added.

"We know its not easy, its tough and there's a bit of the luck of the draw along the way but I like it."

Leeds have been in impressive form this season, winning three games on the bounce headed into the tie.

One of those fixtures came against reigning champions Hull KR in Las Vegas less than two weeks ago but Arthur said his side are set to press on with their season despite their transatlantic travels.

"Our performance guys have looked after them really well before and after Vegas," Arthur added.

"We've not done a lot of training across the last couple of weeks, and will return to normal next week."

Wakefield come into the game having beaten Hull FC last week and boss Daryl Powell has the belief his side are due a big performance.

Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Powell said: "We've won two from four in the league which is an alright start I think. But if you look at us at the moment, I think we can play much better.

"Leeds have hit the ground absolutely flying and they'll be pretty big favourites for this game I would say.

"For us, I think there's a really good game right around the corner and you'd like to think it's in this game."

Wakefield most recently reached a Challenge Cup final in 1979 but the club have recent Wembley pedigree.

Powell led them to victory in the 1895 Cup against Sheffield Eagles and would love to steer them to the national stadium again.

"It's awesome for players to go and play at Wembley and still is. I know there's bits and bobs about crowds but that's the fans, for a player I think it's unbelievable to get to Wembley," Powell added.

"We had a taste of it in the 1895 and you've only got to look at what did to the crowd and how they came out to support the team.

"We had more there than Warrington that day I think. It's still revered, it's all about pounds, shillings and pence and how hard it is for fans to pay to go to the games.

"The challenge for us is that we had a tough draw last year and this year is a tough draw and we've got to be tough enough to get through."