BARROW Raiders Ladies head coach Amanda Wilkinson says she and her side are up for the cup.

The history-making side begin their Challenge Cup campaign with an away game against Cardiff Demons at Cardiff University Sports Fields tomorrow.

It is a tough start for Wilkinson’s side and while she is honest about her side’s chances in the competition, she says they are approaching it with a different mindset to usual.

“There’s always less pressure in the Challenge Cup for us. If we are being realistic and being honest, I don’t think we are going to win it,” she told The Mail.

“But having said that, I think it is a brilliant way to start the season ahead of the start of the Super League.

“It’s competitive and you get a good mix of sides. We’ve got Wigan, we’ve got Salford and Cardiff, so we’ve got a real good mix of levels of rugby.

“This year we are going into it a little bit different, because I think within our group, we should really be able to compete.

“So, we are going into the competition with the mindset, of we need to be performing and we need to be competing rather than just taking part.”

They will certainly have their work cut out against a home side with an international flavour.

“I’ve seen quite a lot of footage of them from last year, and quite a lot of the Cardiff team are in the Wales international team as well,” Wilkinson revealed.

“They had a couple of games against England, so I’ve done a bit of research into them and I think it will be a tough challenge.

“They’ve got some really strong players, and a great kicking game as well.

“Because of their catchment area they have basically got a team full of internationals. So, it’s going to be a tough first game, but I think that’s what we need, because it sets us up for the Super League.”

The players will have an overnight stay before the clash, which is a first for the Ladies squad.

Wilkinson added: “It was voted for by the players. We travel a lot, so it is something the players are used to doing, but this is a long trip, and we are looking to use it as a team-building opportunity.”