BIG Giants fan Sam Quinn made sure he didn't miss out on picking up some Powergen Challenge Cup semi-final tickets - by leaving home at 6.30am!

The 16-year-old travelled by train from his South Yorkshire home to be first in the queue and left with four tickets for the North Stand for the showdown with St Helens at Warrington's new Halliwell Jones Stadium on Sunday, April 25.

It proved a smart move as that area of the ground was sold out within four hours.

"It was definitely the right decision to come early," said Sam, from Mexborough.

"I arrived at the McAlpine at 8.20, and expected to be on my own, because the tickets weren't on sale until 10.00.

"But it wasn't long before many others were joining me, and by the time I left there were well over 100 there.

"It was unbelievable seeing so many fans, and I'm grateful I was on my school holidays and getting across here wasn't a problem.

"If it had been a schoolday I know I would have ended up missing out. That would have been awful.

"With the form we've been showing I know we are capable of beating St Helens, and I was desperate to be there to see it happen!"

Giants officials report that over 2,000 tickets were sold on the first day to season-ticket holders.

Queues were once again forming early this morning - the second day they are on sale for season-ticket holders only.

They do, however, go on general sale from 10am in the morning, although numbers are expected to be limited.

"Judging from the number of telephone calls we've been fielding, we're expecting another busy morning tomorrow," reported general manager Richard Thewlis.

The tickets remaining are for side-on standing at £16 adults and £8 concessions or behind-the-posts seating at £14 and £7.