Swinton Lions’ Alan Coleman has revealed his excitement to face Leigh Miners Rangers in the fourth round of the Coral Challenge Cup at Heywood Road this Saturday.
The Lions‘ Assistant Coach, along with Head Coach Stuart Littler, both have connections with the visiting side having played there at the beginning of their rugby careers.
He said: “Myself and Stuart Littler, we are both from Leigh Miners as players. Stuart went to play at Salford and I went to play at Leigh Centurions. I’m excited for the match, I also used to coach the club a few years ago and went into the professional game coaching at Swinton.
“My son is playing there [at Leigh Miners Rangers] at the moment so he will be playing. It is a bit of a family occasion for us as well, it’s going to be a special day.
“We invited Leigh Miners down quite a bit in preseason to help them and get some good partnerships within the club.
“The good thing is they know us and know what we’re about. We know what they are all about because both clubs have done a lot of work together.
“I think it’s different when you’re in the match day environment compared to a training environment. I think size and physicality will have a big say in the game.
“By working with us and understanding how we play and us understanding how they play. It will be quite interesting because both teams have got the edge on each other I suppose.
Alan Coleman was full of praise for Leigh Miners’ talented young squad.
He said: “They have got a very young, talented side. Three or four of them played for England at under 19s level which I coach myself. They have got some real talented youngsters coming through.
“Last year, their under 18s were very successful in winning the National Cup and their league. They’re a very young energetic side with threats from all over the pitch.”
Speaking about Swinton’s ambition for the Challenge Cup, Coleman stated their ambition to face one of the big sides.
“What we would love to do is get as far as we possibly can and create some income for the club and generate some publicity for ourselves.” – he said.
“We would like a home tie, hopefully against a Super League club.”
Rob Fairclough will be the only absentee for Swinton Lions. The half-back sustained an injury against Batley Bulldogs last weekend.
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