Mathers expect tough cup test

Wakefield Wildcats' Richie Mathers believes his side rightfully head into their Challenge Cup clash with Leeds Rhinos as underdogs.

The Belle Vue outfit have struggled in Super League this season and have endured a difficult week, with defeats to both arch-rivals Castleford Tigers and Challenge Cup holders Wigan Warriors. Wildcats head coach Richard Agar decided to rest a number of players for the defeat at the DW Stadium, with potentially one eye on their cup clash with Leeds at Headingley on Friday night. Mathers enjoyed a successful spell with the Rhinos, as he was part of the side that secured the Super League title back in 2004, before moving to Australia to play in the NRL. The 28-year-old is looking forward to returning to his hometown club but has admitted his current side will be up against it on Friday night. He said: "It's the one piece of silverware they haven't won since 1999. They've won five Grand Finals but this is the jewel in their crown that is missing and I know how highly they place it. "We are underdogs and, if we're speaking honestly, we probably deserve to go there as underdogs."