Danny Washbrook hoping for some Challenge Cup magic in York City Knights’ tie with Wigan Warriors

IF York City Knights need a good luck omen for their mouthwatering Betfred Challenge Cup tie against Wigan Warriors, they need not look any further than their very own Danny Washbrook.
EXCITING DRAW: York City Knights player Danny Washbrook is looking forward to taking on Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.EXCITING DRAW: York City Knights player Danny Washbrook is looking forward to taking on Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
EXCITING DRAW: York City Knights player Danny Washbrook is looking forward to taking on Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

The Championship club, who have beaten Sheffield Eagles and London Broncos so far, will host the competition’s 19-times winners in the third round on the weekend of April 10-11.

The part-timers have strengthened their squad with Super League talent such as Danny Kirmond, Ryan Atkins and Adam Cuthbertson but it will still be a gargantuan task ahead.

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Nevertheless, former Wakefield Trinity and Hull FC star Washbrook, at least, has an impressive Cup record against Wigan.

“I beat them with Hull in the semi in 2016 and then, of course, we won in the final against them in 2017,” he said.

“I’ve not got a bad record against Wigan in the Cup.

“Obviously, it’s going to be tough. They are a top team.

“But it’s the magic of the Cup isn’t it so anything can happen and we’ll look forward to it.”

GOOD OMEN: Danny Washbrook, Mark Minichiello and Gareth Ellis celebrate to the fans after their side's victory over Wigan in the 2017 Challenge Cup final. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comGOOD OMEN: Danny Washbrook, Mark Minichiello and Gareth Ellis celebrate to the fans after their side's victory over Wigan in the 2017 Challenge Cup final. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
GOOD OMEN: Danny Washbrook, Mark Minichiello and Gareth Ellis celebrate to the fans after their side's victory over Wigan in the 2017 Challenge Cup final. Picture: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

The only down side is that fans will not be allowed into the club’s new LNER Community Stadium to witness the occasion.

Washbrook, 35, said: “That is disappointing.

“Wigan are one of the biggest clubs in rugby league.

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“If it’d been the first game back with fans at the new stadium, I imagine it would have been close to selling out. But it’s just the way it is.”

Championship rivals Featherstone Rovers also face Super League opposition when they host Washbrook’s former side Hull – their opponents when they last famously won the Cup against the odds in 1983.

Holders Leeds Rhinos visit St Helens in one of four all-Super League ties, with 2018 winners Catalans Dragons playing Wakefield Trinity, Hull KR hosting Castleford Tigers and Huddersfield Giants heading to Leigh Centurions.

The other ties are Salford Red Devils v Widnes Vikings and Swinton Lions v Warrington Wolves.

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