WIGAN second-row Simon Haughton is praying for third time lucky when the Warriors take on London Broncos in the Silk Cut Challenge Cup semi-final at Huddersfield on Sunday.

The powerhouse international has had an unhappy time in the Cup but is confident he can put the record straight this time.

"We haven't been to Wembley since I became a regular in the first team losing to Salford and St Helens so I hope we can put that right this time.

"We are quietly confident and training has been going very well this week. Having said that we are under no illusions as to the task in front of us. London are a formidable side with plenty of strengths in the forwards. They have the class there to cause us some problems."

Haughton will pack down in the second-row with Denis Betts who starts his first game for Wigan after a three years spell with Auckland Warriors.

The impact the vastly experienced Betts has on the side is readily accepted by Haughton.

"Denis is a great player and when he came on against Saints he gave a good talk which was encouraging for the team when the going was tough, " he added.

Coach John Monie was quick to emphasise that although his side are hot favourites to lift the Challenge Cup the Broncos will provide stern opposition.

"I think they have done very well and have some excellent players," he said. "I was interested in signing their Kiwi centre John Timu for Wigan. He will be good for their game and good for the English game as he is a guy who can run the football and is very good on his feet.

"The two front-rowers are amongst the best in the business. I coached Grant Young in Auckland and I was really happy with the way he played for me over there. Mark Carroll comes out of Manly which is recommendation enough for any player. He has been in the Manly Grand Final sides and played State of Origins.

They have a lot going forward in those two. I was also impressed with hooker Robbie Beasley. He scored two really good tries against Hull KR and Terry Matterson is always a threat.

"Everybody knows about Martin Offiah and how he can score tries. When I coached him at Wigan he scored 10 in one game so I will be happy to restrict him to one or two on Sunday."

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