Thorman will captain the side in Andrew Henderson's absence

Gateshead Thunder stand-off Neil Thorman hopes the club can shake off their underdog tag against St Helens in the Challenge Cup on Saturday.

The Tynesiders are the only Championship side left in the tournament but Thorman has belief Thunder can upset the form-book.

"We know we are capable of beating teams," he told BBC Look North.

"We have put good performances together, we just need a good 80 minutes and anything can happen."

Live - Gateshead v St Helens

Born and brought up in Wallsend, Thorman is one of three rugby playing brothers currently involved in the game.

With Paul playing in Championship One for London Skolars and Chris with Hull FC in Super League, Neil is the sole member of the family representing his local side, and is proud to be captaining them in such an important game.

We're playing one of the best teams in the world Neil Thorman

"It's a dream come true for any local player, even playing in the Championship you don't expect to play in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, it's usually a place for the Super League teams," he said.

"We've been lucky enough and played well enough to get through to this game and we're playing one of the best teams in the world."

Thunder will be without captain and influential hooker Andrew Henderson after he returned to Australia following the death of his father on Wednesday.

No return date has been set for the Scotland international, who joined the club from Super League side Castleford during the off-season.

Thunder are ninth in the Championship after nine matches with nine points, and qualified for the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup with a 34-16 defeat of Oldham.

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