Shenton determined to avoid trauma of repeat loss

Along with Widnes, the West Yorkshire club are the only Championship outfit still in the competition following holders Warrington’s crushing 112-0 win over Swinton Lions last night, the biggest win in their history.

Despite losing just once in the league this year, Featherstone will not be given much hope against Saints, the most successful club in the famous competition since the summer era began.

However, centre Shenton was part of a Castleford side stunned by part-timers Barrow last year before his switch to Merseyside and he realises the potential for a fifth-round upset.

“Featherstone have a great Challenge Cup tradition and will see this as their chance to grab another place in cup folklore,” he said, harking back to the time Rovers shocked Hull FC at Wembley in 1983.

“They’ll be fired up at the chance to play Super League opposition and this is a massive game for them.

“I’ve played in Cas teams beaten by Championship opposition and it’s not a good feeling.

“It’s also something I don’t want to experience again. We got a real fright in the fourth round when Sheffield Eagles gave us a big challenge and Featherstone are going to be even tougher.”

Shenton, who left Castleford in the belief he would win trophies at Saints, added: “I spent some time with Daryl Powell at the recent Elite Training Squad camp and he said they’re not going to be overawed.

“Daryl played at the highest level and is a top quality coach – he wouldn’t be on the England staff if he wasn’t – so we’re expecting them to be very well prepared.”

Castleford, meanwhile, will look to double Challenge Cup winner Richie Mathers to bolster their chances of progressing to the quarter-finals this afternoon.

They head to Wakefield, who yesterday announced second-row Frankie Mariano has signed a new two-year deal after making the most of his move from Hull KR.

Full-back Mathers has lifted the famous trophy in each of the last two seasons with Warrington.

“It would be amazing for me to make it to Wembley again and to do it with Castleford would be even more special,” he said.

“Once you’ve had a taste of the atmosphere and the success, it’s something that you want to repeat again and again.”

Huddersfield entertain Catalan Dragons tomorrow with full-back Scott Grix becoming the latest player to sign a long-term deal at Galpharm Stadium, the Ireland captain committing himself until 2014.

Bradford Bulls take on Wigan Warriors in the remaining fifth-round tie with coach Mick Potter warning his side must improve their defence “drastically” if they are to overcome the Super League champions and reach the last eight.