For me the greatest sporting competition in the world is the Rugby League Challenge cup. Steeped in history the first competition was held in 1897 and was a hotly contested affair between Batley and St Helens.
For me my introduction to this competition was in 1988 when I tuned in with my family to watch Wigan take on Halifax at a packed Wembley Stadium. From that day on I was hooked and started supporting Wigan who dominated the competition for the next 8 years.
I joined the RAF and was posted to Germany in 93 and joined a magnificent rugby League team the Bruggen Bulldogs. Every year we made the special pilgrimage from Germany to Wembley where in 94 I saw the mighty Wigan and Martin Offiah score 2 magnificent tries to edge out Leeds 26-16 and then the following year beating Leeds again 30-10 with a certain Billy Wizz Jason Robinson getting the glory.
This is when I knew this cup was a magnificent showpiece.
Fast forward nearly 30 years my playing days are long since passed and I’m now the first team manager. Having coached and supported many of the current first team players since they were juniors, I never thought I would be involved with a team that would play in this competition. The excitement surrounding Telford Raiders game against Rochdale Mayfield on 11th Jan is immense. To follow in the footsteps of greats is truly a humbling experience that I cannot wait for.
Dare to dream and dream big.
