Home advantage could be important but I’ve liked the way Salford have been playing in recent weeks
Wigan legend Andy Gregory insists Salford can end Warriors’ Wembley dreams tonight – if they believe in themselves.
Gregory won the Challenge Cup five times with the Cherry and Whites in their halcyon days.
However, as Salford coach he engineered the end of his hometown club’s 43-match unbeaten run in the competition with a shock 26-16 fifth-round triumph at the Willows in 1996.
“Salford weren’t in Super League then but we had a burning belief in ourselves and had a great week’s preparation,” said Gregory, one of the outstanding post-war scrum-halves.
“Wigan were still a great side and there was no pressure on us. The scoreline didn’t lie that day – we deserved to go through.
“As you can imagine, I was the toast of Salford but I wasn’t so popular when I got home to Wigan that night!”
Gregory will be in the JJB Stadium crowd for tonight’s quarter-final and says he will have divided loyalties.
He added: “I wish it could be a draw. I want Wigan to be at the top of the tree again but, in my opinion, they still don’t have the squad to challenge for honours. That’s why they are still looking for two or three world-class players.
“Home advantage could be important but I’ve liked the way Salford have been playing in recent weeks.
“They are playing with a lot more confidence and – like almost everyone else – I admire the talent of their young scrum-half Richie Myler.
“With no relegation, clubs shouldn’t be afraid to give youth a chance and it’s paid dividends with Myler. He is the key to their chances.”
Wigan prop forward Stuart Fielden is out of tonight’s clash after failing to overturn a one-match ban. The former GB
international was found guilty of raising his knees during last Friday’s 16-8 Super League defeat at Warrington.
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