Back-to-back Challenge Cup winner Jamie Shaul will hope to turn the clock back with Goole Vikings this season, as they take their first step on the road to Wembley on Saturday.
Shaul is no stranger to Challenge Cup heroics having crossed for the winning try for Hull FC in their first ever win at Wembley in 2016, a feat they backed up a year later.
Having swapped the Black & White of Hull FC for the Black & Red of Goole Vikings, Shaul and his teammates will be hoping to pull off one of the shocks of the round by beating Betfred Championship’s London Broncos - a game which will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport, (K.O. 12.30pm).
Just twelve months ago, the Broncos were preparing for the new Super League season in rugby league’s top flight, whilst the Vikings were still merely an amateur team playing in the Yorkshire League - setting up for a very interesting tie this weekend.
With history on his side and the prospect of a huge game to come, Shaul can’t wait to get started in the Vikings' first ever competitive match:
“The Challenge Cup is always special, and more so because it will be our first professional game as a team too,” he said. “It’s a great occasion, and while it may be a tough test, anything can happen on the day.
“It’s about taking things in our stride, working together, and showing resilience, which we showed in parts last week against Featherstone in difficult conditions.”
Shaul continued: “We’re in a tough spot in terms of the odds, but that’s what makes the Challenge Cup so unique. On our day, anyone is beatable, and we’re ready to prove that.”
“These games are what we play for. They test you as a player and as a team, and we’re looking forward to stepping up.”
The Vikings had a tough first outing against Featherstone Rovers in a pre-season friendly on Tuesday, a good test to understand what Championship opposition will throw at them.
And despite some tricky conditions and having to weather some long defensive periods, Shaul believes there was plenty to take from the game heading into this week’s cup tie:
‘‘Featherstone has always been a tough place to go, even when I’ve played against them in the Challenge Cup matches and friendlies in the past whilst in Super League, but the lads did well considering it was our first hit out and we picked up some injuries.
“They got stuck in and that’s all anyone can ask for.
“If we graft for each other and stay resilient like the other day, we can go a long way. The team’s spirit and determination are what will carry us through.”
The prize for a victory at the weekend for the Vikings is a big one, with a trip to big-spending Betfred Super League side Wakefield Trinity on offer in the Third Round.
And the Vikings head coach Scott Taylor is also embracing the spirit of the Challenge Cup as he prepares his side for their first ever professional match this weekend.
The Vikings head to the capital as the clear underdogs, but the magic of the cup means any result is possible, which is not lost on three-time Challenge Cup winner, Taylor:
“We know it is a huge task in front of us and we go into the game as the underdogs, but that is what is special about the Challenge Cup - anything can happen and we’ll give it everything we’ve got,” said the Vikings head coach, who lifted the trophy as a player with Wigan Warriors and Hull FC.
“The cup is very special. I have been fortunate to win it three times as a player and they are some of the best memories of my playing career.
“There is so much history and prestige in the cup and we are just really excited that we can be a part of that again as the Vikings and give the town a taste of what that is all about.
He added: “The fact it is also our first competitive game together and we’ll be travelling down to London where the Cup final is held, gives it even more of a buzz feel for the boys and they have all had a spring in their step this week.
“The whole club is ready for it, so many people have worked very hard over the last few months to get us to this point.”
Watch London Broncos v Goole Vikings' Betfred Challenge Cup Round two tie live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport on Saturday 25 January, K.O. 12.30pm.
Tickets for this tie are also available from London Broncos’ official club website and on the day at the ground.
Saturday 7 June is Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day 2025 – also including the Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup Final, AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final, and RFL Champion Schools Year 7 Boys Final. Tickets are on sale now!
