Challenge Cup 2013: Sheffield Eagles vs. London Broncos Preview and Prediction

Where: Don Valley Arena, Sheffield

What: 2013 Challenge Cup Quarterfinal

Who: Sheffield Eagles vs. London Broncos

When: Kickoff at 3 p.m. ET

Though it may be a story of David versus Goliath, Mark Aston’s Sheffield Eagles will head into Friday’s meeting against London Broncos with a nothing-to-lose attitude in their minds.

The South Yorkshire outfit are the only team remaining in the Tetley’s Challenge Cup without Super League credentials, but will need to ensure that doesn’t faze them in their quarterfinal examination.

Currently at the summit of the Championship, though, the Eagles have all the momentum going in their favour ahead of this particular clash against the side now wallowing at the bottom of Super League rugby.

However, that could work in the favour of Broncos coach Tony Rea. This season has been a miserable one for the Broncos, winning just three of their 21 outings and destined for relegation from rugby league’s elite.

Team News and Form Guide

For Sheffield, there’s a worry that back row Michael Knowles could be absent from this weekend’s Challenge Cup action, but BBC Sport have reported that Menzie Yere could be back for Aston’s selection after recovering from a groin injury.

The Papua New Guinea centre has proven to be a big presence both off the bench and as a starter for the Eagles, and is their current joint-top try scorer, running it over nine times in the 2013 season.

What’s more, Duane Straugheir, newly committed to the club after penning a two-year contract extension, looks likely to return to action.

For the Broncos, Tony Clubb’s return represents a massive boost for Rea’s men after the club captain sat out their last three fixtures with injury.

The forward has already been out for a decent chunk of the campaign, but there’s no question that the Broncos play better with Clubb in their side.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports say that Olsi Krasniqi and Mike McMeeken will make the 19-man squad but that Erjon Dollapi, Ryan Shaw and Jacob Fairbank miss out.

In terms of league form, the two teams couldn’t be more opposite to one another. While Sheffield are soaring in their Championship endeavours, the Challenge Cup has been the Broncos’ only source of joy.

In fact, Tony Rea’s London side are without a win since late April, losing seven and drawing one of their last eight league outings since then.

In contrast to that, Sheffield have lost just the two games all season and are enjoying a nine-match unbeaten run, 12 including Challenge Cup results.

Key Players

In classic rugby league fashion, it’s those two big figures returning to fitness for both sides who stand to impose the largest presence on the opposition, all healed up from their recent ailments.

Sheffield Eagles—Menzie Yere

A Papua New Guinea international regarded highly for his direct style in the Championship, Menzie Yere’s return to action is one that will assuredly provide Mark Aston with some comfort this Friday.

The 29-year-old suffered a groin strain several weeks ago which saw him miss the Eagles’ recent victory over Swinton Lions, but is safe for Challenge Cup proceedings.

Known as “The Jukebox” due to his wide assortment of hits (or big tackling style), Yere promises to lure multiple Broncos defenders into the tackle.

If he fails to break those tackles in the centre himself, the drawing in of the opposition will at least ensure more width for those standing off the contact, providing the hosts with a strong platform when carrying the ball.

London Broncos—Tony Clubb

Another injured star set for his return to the fray, there’s arguably no more valuable a player coming back to play than your club captain.

Tony Clubb is just that to the Broncos this weekend and will take a leading hand in his side’s progress up the pitch, sure to take on a carry or two of his own.

Speaking to BBC London earlier in the week, Clubb came off as fully aware of the threat Sheffield pose to his side, saying:

"

You can come unstuck against teams like these. They are flying high in the Championship and will be a big ask to go there and beat them. They are a good team who have got some good outside backs that we have looked at. They are well coached and well drilled but we are focusing on us.

They are the last Championship team in there and have come up against a Super League side who aren't travelling too well. This is their biggest game of the year and I'm sure they will come out like that. They have to live with us because we do this full-time and we train full-time.

"

Obviously conscious of how strong the Eagles have looked in recent months, Clubb’s presence is something that will provide the Broncos with that morale boost needed to ensure there’s only a Super League assortment in the semifinal stage of the Challenge Cup.

Prediction

While they may be literally leagues apart, the gap in pedigree between these two sides is actually closer than a lot may gather heading into this fixture.

On its face, this match is very much open to either team, but the lure of an underdog story may just be too overwhelming for the London Broncos.

With confidence going in their favour and a squad not miles away from the Super League standard, Sheffield Eagles will continue a magnificent season with a win over Super League opposition.

It won’t be a routing by either side, that’s for sure, but one can consider a Sheffield victory very plausible, especially with home advantage at their disposal.

Prediction: Sheffield Eagles 42-27 London Broncos