Eckersley shares Challenge Cup importance
- Zach Eckersley has stressed the importance of the Challenge Cup ahead of Saturday’s Fourth Round tie against Hull FC.
- Eckersley: “We know how big a trophy the Challenge Cup is for the Club and town.”
- General admission adult tickets are available for £10 online HERE.
Zach Eckersley has stressed the importance of the challenge cup ahead of Saturday’s Fourth Round home tie against hull fc.
Having beaten Sheffield Eagles in the Third Round, the Warriors will continue their Challenge Cup defence at The Brick Community Stadium with a tough test against Super League opposition.
Eckersley scored on his second competition appearance in South Yorkshire, having made his debut in the Club’s Challenge Cup Final victory against Warrington Wolves last season.
Following Adam Keighran’s suspension just a week before the final at Wembley Stadium, Eckersley walked out on the biggest of stages under the famous Wembley Stadium arch. With 18 minutes on the clock, a kick through from Bevan French was collected and grounded first by Eckersley to score the first of three Wigan tries in an 18-8 win.
Reflecting on the moment, Eckersley said: “It was a special and surreal day for myself and the team. I’d managed to settle my nerves in training but they built up again before kick off. I had a chat in the dressing room with Lockers [Sean O’Loughlin], and although I can’t remember the specifics, the main message was just to go out an enjoy myself.”
Eckersley added: “Hearing that from someone like Lockers helped ease the nerves and allowed me to focus on getting involved early so things wouldn’t pass by. and not let things pass by. The try was mostly a blur but it was a proud feeling scoring at Wembley in front of my family who were there supporting in the stands. Being able to celebrate the win with our families made the occasion even more memorable.”
Stressing the importance of the Challenge Cup competition to the Club, Eckersley added: “It’s massive, especially in Wigan. It’s the oldest competition in the game and Wigan have been so successful over the years. We’re still in the early rounds now but our aim as a team is to add to that history. We know how big a trophy the Challenge Cup is to win for the Club and the town.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s tie against Hull FC, Eckersley said: “We had a few days off at the start of the week which has massively helped to freshen things up. We’ve had a strong few training sessions and now we are all ready to go again this Saturday.”
Praising the Warriors support, Eckersley said: “It was a tough first half but our supporters dug deep to help the lads get a good win. Our supporters have been amazing so far this season and hopefully we can create another special moment together on Saturday evening.”
Don’t miss out on a home double-header this Saturday as our Reserves take on St Helens at Robin Park Arena (12pm K.O.) before our First Team tie at The Brick Community Stadium (5:45pm K.O.). With one ticket permitting entry to both matches, secure yours from The Brick Community Stadium Ticket Office or online HERE.
