Gilmour is hoping to lead by example for Huddersfield

The ex-Great Britain star has lost none of his hunger for success in the prestigious competition despite his record haul of medals which, of players still operating, is equalled only by former St Helens team-mate Paul Wellens.

So, as Huddersfield prepare for tomorrow’s tricky quarter-final assignment at Castleford Tigers, his input is valuable.

“I think as a senior player you have to lead by example and say the right things,” said Gilmour, who is likely to switch from centre to second-row in the absence of injured internationals Luke O’Donnell and David Fa’alogo.

“But, once we are all out on that pitch everyone has got to step up and perform to the best of their ability.

“We all want to get to Wembley and in this type of game you can’t have three or four players below par. Every player, no matter whether they are experienced or inexperienced, has to go out there and do the job that (Nathan) Browny has given them to do,” he said.

Huddersfield are also without captain Kevin Brown after he was injured in the shock 36-0 loss at Bradford last Sunday, a game which dulled their prospects as potential Grand Finalists.

“Our intensity and our attitude wasn’t what it should be last week,” added Gilmour.

“They got into our faces and bullied us and usually it’s something we manage to do to other teams.

“Hopefully at Cas we will see 17 blokes willing to give everything they have got for 80 minutes to try and get us into the last four of the Challenge Cup.

“I’m still desperate to play in as many finals and win as many trophies as I can before I hang my boots up.

“Hopefully if we can put in a good performance and progress to the semi-final then we will have a chance this year.”

Castleford edged the Super League meeting between the sides at PROBIZ Coliseum 18-12 in February with a superb defensive performance which saw them emerge as surprise early leaders.

They have struggled to maintain that stunning form, losing 40-18 at Huddersfield last month, as injuries have disrupted their squad but have improved of late with crucial back-to-back wins over Bradford and Crusaders.

With star stand-off Rangi Chase returning rested and refreshed after serving a one-match ban, Terry Matterson’s side are fancied to gain revenge for their quarter-final exit at the hands of Huddersfield two years ago.

“We had played really well that day but could not finish them off and they just got us in the last few minutes,” recalled Matterson, who returns to Australia at the end of the season and is keen to sign off his six-year stay with a trophy.

“It could be a similarly tight game this weekend but we all know how important a good Cup run would be for the whole town.

“It would be marvellous to get to the final.”