Barrow Raiders half-back Brad Walker says the squad are ready for the challenge ahead, as they prepare to visit Oldham this Sunday.
The pair meet in the third round of the Betfred Challenge Cup, with the winner all-but-certain to face Betfred Super League opposition in the next round.
Big-spending Betfred Championship new boys Oldham got the better of the Raiders in last season’s competition, but having enjoyed a perfect 2025 to date, Walker insists the squad can head to Boundary Park with nothing to fear.
“I think everyone is champing at the bit to get going,” he said.
“We’ve had four games in pre-season and Crosfields most recently, so everyone is raring to go.
“We feel like we’re ready – we’ve had a good, long pre-season and everyone is starting to click together. We can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve got this weekend against Oldham.
“Cresta has talked about the fact that we’ve had a few warm-up fixtures before a game like this. Oldham are tipped to be a top-five team, and that’s where we see ourselves.
“I think this weekend will show us where we’re at, and we just can’t wait to get going.”
Walker is no stranger to making memories in cup competitions, having started for Widnes Vikings in the inaugural 1895 Cup final against Sheffield Eagles back in 2019.
Having the opportunity to step out onto the hallowed Wembley turf remains a career highlight for the Barrow-born half-back, who is hoping to secure a win this weekend which could set them up for a glamour tie against a giant of the British game.
“When I was at Widnes, we played in the 1895 Cup final at Wembley and that was a highlight for me,” Walker added.
“We’re going to try and get through to the next round with a win at Oldham, and then hopefully we can get a Super League team at home and get a few thousand fans down at the ground.
“That’s what the lads have talked about, but we have to get past Oldham first. It’s going to be a big challenge, but we’re all ready for it.”
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