DANNY KIRMOND had a wry smile on his face when the Giants were drawn at Castleford Tigers in the quarter-final of the Challenge Cup.

It immediately brought back one of the fondest memories of his career so far.

That was back in 2009 when Kirmond scored Huddersfield’s winning try – in a Challenge Cup quarter-final triumph over Castleford Tigers!

The big difference in 2011 is that the tie will take place in Castleford rather than Huddersfield.

But Kirmond is still hoping history can repeat itself at the PROBIZ Coliseum on Sunday, July 24 – although he also knows there are many other games to focus on before then, starting with tomorrow’s Super League trip to Hull FC.

“Scoring that try in the quarter-final is without doubt one of the best moments of my career so far,” he said.

“It wasn’t quite as special as the semi-final win over Saints a couple of weeks later, but it was right up there.

“So it did bring back some very happy memories when Monday’s draw was made.

“But obviously the biggest talking point this week was the news that Browny will be staying.

“That’s crowned a great week. First we beat Catalan to get into the quarter-final of the Cup and then Nathan is staying.

“Let’s just hope we can round it off perfectly by winning at Hull tomorrow.”

And Kirmond will be looking to play a leading role.

He firmly believes his performance in the big home Super League win over St Helens was his best since he suffered his serious knee injury over 18 months ago.

So can he build on that against the black and whites this weekend?

“I’d certainly like to think so, that’s my challenge,” added the 25-year-old back-row forward.

“But I know I can’t afford to see my performances dip.

“We know we’re going to need to be at our best to win at Hull, because if we’re not it could be a tough afternoon.”