7:00pm Monday 8th March 2010
By Mike Parsons
THIS time last year Warrington Wolves entered the fourth round draw of the Carnegie Challenge Cup having not won a league game for seven months.
The Super League defeat at home to Leeds Rhinos – the fourth straight loss of 2009 at that point – equalled Warrington’s worst ever start to a campaign since the start of summer rugby in 1996.
Tony Smith had just been appointed the club’s head of coaching and rugby but no Wolves fan in his or her right mind would have had their sights set on a cup final appearance at Wembley as the first ball was pulled from the hat for the fourth round draw.
The defeats to St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Wakefield, Leeds and the following weekend’s embarrassing 60-8 loss at Harlequins had left everyone staring into the abyss.
What a difference 12 months can make!
Wolves put their inconsistent league form behind them to produce a stunning run in the Challenge Cup to lift that particular piece of silverware at Wembley for the first time in 35 years, with more than 30,000 invading the capital from all corners of the world to cheer them to glory.
And then there were 50,000-plus on the streets of Warrington the next day to give the boys a heroes’ welcome home.
They were unbelievable scenes on a magical weekend.
Now, as the excitement grows for the 2010 Challenge Cup campaign, Wolves are an altogether different entity.
As the holders – and with a strong start to the year under their belts – Wolves are one of the favourites to return to Wembley and savour the magic all over again.
That wouldn’t be new territory for Warrington.
When they beat Featherstone to win the cup in 1974 they returned to Wembley the following year, only to lose to Widnes on that occasion.
With a squad in form, some luck in the draw (as well as with injuries and video referees) and with their superb supporters behind them, Wolves could be there again on August 28.
The journey starts with tonight's draw and what a ride it could be.
* The 2010 fourth round draw is due to be made at 7.35pm – check back then to find out who Wolves will play in the fourth round on the weekend of April 17/18.
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