John Kear tips Leeds Rhinos for Challenge Cup

Kear's Wakefield were knocked out the cup by Harlequins

Wakefield Trinity Wildcats coach John Kear has tipped Leeds Rhinos to win the Challenge Cup this season.

Leeds host Wigan in the quarter-final on Saturday and former Cup winner Kear, whose side went out in round four, believes they will go all the way.

"I've seen a great focus on the Challenge Cup by Leeds this season," Kear told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I think they'll bite Wigan to win and I have a funny feeling in my water that this will be Leeds' year in the cup."

Kear won the Challenge Cup with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 with a shock over Wigan.

"I thought Leeds were very good in the earlier rounds when they went to Hull FC and won because Hull are so tough in knock-out competitions," he continued.

"Wigan will come to Headingley with a weight on, pressure and expectation, while Leeds won't mind being the underdogs slightly for that game.

"No doubt it will be a very close quarter-final. It will be a good game and I'm looking forward to going there to watch it and I expect to be enjoying an excellent contest."

Leeds have only won the Challenge Cup once since 1978 and have lost three finals since their 1999 success.