WARRINGTON Wolves forward Paul Wood is relishing the prospect of playing in his first Challenge Cup semi-final and he believes that his hometown club are there for the taking.

The history books show that Wolves have a dreadful record against Wigan Warriors but the pendulum is swinging according to Wolves' only current Great Britain international.

Wood believes that the days are gone when Wolves feared facing the pie eaters.

He says: "There are a lot of Wiganers in our squad and we are all looking forward to the semi-final. Everyone will be fired up for it and we are confident of coming away with a win.

"Wigan have had a lot of joy against us in the past but there is nothing for us to fear these days.

"They have a lot of quality players but so have we. We are as fit, tough and talented as they are and we have made a better start to the season.

"We are full of confidence at the moment while Wigan are far from firing on all cylinders.

"There seems to be something lacking in the Wigan squad. I can't quite put my finger on what it is but we intend to take full advantage."

Wood admits it would be a dream come true if Wolves were to beat bitter rivals Wigan and go on to lift the Challenge Cup this season.

The 22-year-old Wiganer said before the start of the season that Wolves are on the verge of challenging for trophies and last week he had no hesitation in signing a two-year contract extension which will keep him at the club until November 2007.

Wood was one of five Wolves players to pen new deals and he applauds the club for tackling contract renewals at such an early stage in the season.

He says: "I think it's great that the club have resigned players in April instead of leaving it until the last minute.

"As a player you don't usually get offered a new contract until about three months before the end of your existing deal.

"That causes a lot of tension. Your future is uncertain and you end up worrying about where you will end up.

"But now that my future is tied up for the next four years I will be able to put all of my efforts into my rugby.

"I have improved a lot as a player since Paul Cullen came back to the club but I still have a lot to learn.

"I will not be resting on my laurels just because I am not fighting for a contract. The club have made a big commitment to me and I want to repay them for the faith they have shown."

Wood, who says he would be happy to play for Warrington for the rest of his career, adds: "It would be a magnificent achievement if we were to win the Challenge Cup this year. It would be an unbelievable feeling to have that trophy in the cabinet and it is not beyond us as far as I'm concerned. We have the players to beat anyone on our day so Wigan had better watch out."