Wests Warriors head coach Kimbo Parkinson believes last weekend’s Betfred Challenge Cup tie against Widnes Vikings has helped put southern rugby league on the map.
The draw for the third round of the competition pitted the Southern Conference League champions up against the Vikings, who have won the Challenge Cup on seven occasions.
The London-based outfit gave an excellent account of themselves at the DCBL Stadium and got a well-deserved try early in the second half when full-back Blake Nahu dived over in the corner, sparking jubilant celebrations.
After the match, Vikings head coach John Kear spoke with the Wests Warriors players and captain Jack Owens presented the club with a signed shirt from the first team squad.
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Parkinson admits the experience has been an overwhelmingly positive one for his group.
“[The mood is] really good. Actually, it’s positive, you know,” he said.
“We’re disappointed about the loss, but the boys have enjoyed that. They enjoyed this excitement the whole week, the build-up to it, and to get out there and mix it with guys that have played at a high level – it’s an unreal feeling.
“We knew it was going to be a tough match. We were realistic about that the whole time.”
Discussing his expectations going into the cup clash, the Wests head coach added: “I wanted the guys to go and just enjoy this moment. They knew deep down that it was going to be a fast, physical game, and it was.
“I don’t think anyone got caught in the headlights. I think it was just a matter of we’re outpaced and outskilled on the day.”
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Parkinson hopes the magnitude of the occasion will create a lasting legacy, not just for Wests Warriors but for their division as a whole.
“It’s not just for the club, it’s for southern rugby league. The exposure that’s come out of this has been amazing,” he said.
“People from the heartlands have been wishing us well, and then also it’s good to see that other London teams were behind us, sending their support.”
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