By Dave Woods, BBC Sport

Hull are third in the Super League table

Winning the Challenge Cup would transform Hull into one of rugby league's elite clubs, according to coach John Kear.

The Airlie Birds, who have been knocking on the door of the "Big Four" in recent years, host Bradford in the fifth round on Saturday.

"This club has made great strides in the last few years," said Kear.

"But to win the Challenge Cup would take it on to the next level. The whole city would get behind the club."

Kear added: "The sponsorship potential would be immense. I think we'd be looking at playing in front of crowds of 18,000 week in, week out."

Kear admits Saturday's game has been the focus of his planning since the draw was made.

"For four weeks now we have been preparing for this match. Obviously you have got to keep plugging away at Super League, but we have been specifically preparing to peak for this game."

Kear has happy memories of the Challenge Cup. He was assistant coach at Castleford when they beat Hull KR at Wembley in 1986 and coached Sheffield to victory over Wigan in 1998.

In addition, he was assistant for Wigan's victory over St Helens in 2002.

"We were underdogs on all three occasions and no doubt we're underdogs again against Bradford this weekend. So maybe that's an omen."