EXCITED Kevin Brown can’t wait to take the first step towards fulfilling a childhood dream.
The influential half-back will lead the Giants into Challenge Cup action for the first time tomorrow when they take on Championship side Batley Bulldogs at Mount Pleasant (3.00) in the fourth round.
Coach Nathan Brown has named a strong side for the trip, although he does intend to give a couple of senior players the chance to rest before next Saturday’s home clash against St Helens.
But captain Brown is more than confident the Giants can get the job done tomorrow and take the first step towards a second Wembley appearance in three years.
Brett Hodgson led out the Giants for their final against Warrington in 2009, and Brown wants to follow suit this time.
“I know it’s very early days and we haven’t even faced Batley yet. That’s not going to be an easy trip at all, although we’ll travel there with confidence,” said Brown.
“But this is the first time I’ll have led the side in a Challenge Cup tie, and that’s really exciting.
“When I was a kid, I used to watch players like Andy Farrell and Shaun Edwards lifting the Challenge Cup for Wigan at Wembley, and I always dreamed that one day that could be me.
“I’m now lucky enough to know what it’s like to be part of a Challenge Cup final, it’s an incredible experience.
“But at this stage, I can only imagine what it’s like to lead out a team at Wembley and ultimately lift the famous trophy. It would be a dream come true to do it.”
But Brown also knows he can’t afford to get too carried away at this stage.
“Although we all love to dream, we can’t lose sight of the fact we’ve got a really tough challenge this weekend,” he added.
“Batley will come roaring at us tomorrow with nothing to lose. Their coach, Karl Harrison, will have them really fired-up and they’ll be looking to make the most of their famous slope.
“If we’re not fully focused, we could be in for a pretty tricky time.”
