Saints to face Catalans Dragons in Challenge Cup
Mick Potter will plot the downfall of his former club
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Tuesday, 07, Apr 2009 08:46
St Helens have been handed a tough draw in the Carnegie Challenge Cup after being paired with Catalans Dragons in the last 16.
The tie will see Saints coach Mick Potter go up against the side he left last summer. Potter coached the Dragons for two seasons and also led them to the Challenge Cup final in 2007 when they lost to St Helens.
The Dragons showed their class as they fought back from 26-0 against Bradford in the last round to claim a stunning 40-38 win. The French side will need a similarly great performance to upset St Helens at Knowsley Road.
"I would have preferred a different team, given that we play them the week after as well," said Potter.
"It'll be tough but it could have been worse, we could have got them away two weeks in a row (St Helens go to Catalans in Super League the week after)."
The St Helens boss added: "It'll be good to catch up with a few people after the game but it will be tough.
"They weren't at their best in the first half against Bradford but in the second they were great. I really enjoyed watching the game."
In the only other tie involving two Super League teams, Wigan will travel to Wakefield. While the only non-Super League tie pits Gateshead against Oldham.
Championship One bottom side Rochdale have been handed a very difficult draw as they will travel to Huddersfield.
Challenge Cup fifth-round draw
Gateshead v Oldham
Batley v Salford
Castleford v Halifax
Featherstone v Warrington
St Helens v Catalans Dragons
Huddersfield v Rochdale
Hull KR v Sheffield
Wakefield v Wigan
Ties will be played over the weekend of 9 and 10 May.