Carnegie hoping to soar against Eagles

Leeds Met Rugby League will take on Sheffield Eagles in the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round, the biggest test of their season so far.

After seeing off University of Hull in the second round and Northampton Demons in the first, Leeds Met will want to continue the progress in the competition by rising to the challenge to defeat Sheffield Eagles.

Sheffield Eagles are making their first appearance in the competition this season, as Co-operative Championship and Championship One sides only enter the competition at this stage.

The Eagles have had a mixed pre-season, having won one, lost one and drawn one, but the Carnegie Challenge Cup third round tie will mark their first competitive game of the season, with their league campaign opening on March 13. However, Sheffield are an established team, finishing in mid-table in the Co-operative Championship, and reaching the fourth round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup last season, so will be sure to not give Leeds Met anything of an easy ride.  

The third round has been something of a barrier over the last few years for the Leeds Met rugby league team, failing to go further in the last three consecutive seasons. But after sealing their fifth BUCS Super 8 title in as many years with a 14-12 victory over Loughborough University, maybe this could be the year.

Director of Rugby League, Paul Fletcher said: "I definitely think we've got a chance of getting to the fourth round.  The third round is the week before the BUCS final so this can have a detrimental effect, but also it toughens you up for that final."

Paul continued: "This cup gives us the opportunity to play against professional teams and the best amateur clubs in the country. It will be a tough game and we're taking a strong side down".

This game against Sheffield Eagles will be the biggest test of the season for Leeds Met and gives the players a perfect opportunity to compete with top opposition. Reaching the fourth round would be a fantastic achievement to top of an already successful season.

The third round tie between Sheffield Eagles will kick off at 3.00pm at the Don Valley Stadium, Sheffield.