“OUR expectation is to win.”

It is certainly a bold statement from George Williams as Warrington Wolves’ focus switches back to the Challenge Cup, but one that speaks to his own personal motivation to lift the trophy for the very first time.

In theory, they are only three wins from doing just that but from this point onwards, the road to Wembley will be littered with sizeable speedbumps.

They do not get much bigger than a trip to St Helens, which is what faces The Wire on Sunday in the quarter-finals.

Many expect their challenge to end here and even though he was keen to talk up the qualities of their neighbours – a team they have not beaten since June 2021 – Williams was bullish about the prospects of ending that barren run.

“Over the past five years, they have been the best team by far,” he said.

“Not many have left and they’ve kept pretty much the same group, so we know what they bring.

“It will be a good indication to see where we’re at. We played Catalans the other week and missed the jump and now we’ve got another of the top, top teams.

“They’re a champion team but we’re looking to turn them over – there’s no shying away from that.”

Warrington Guardian: Williams is yet to beat St Helens in a Warrington shirtWilliams is yet to beat St Helens in a Warrington shirt (Image: PA Wire)

Memories will no doubt be stirred throughout the week of Warrington’s against-the-odds victory over Saints at Wembley back in 2019, which was the last time they lifted the cup or indeed reached the final.

That was their sixth trip to the national stadium in 11 seasons, so the current four-year drought seems like a long time between drinks.

Williams, however, has his own personal motivation – having won two Super League titles and a World Club Challenge with Wigan Warriors, a Challenge Cup winner’s medal remains missing from his CV.

His one experience of Wembley was a losing one – he was part of the Wigan side beaten by Hull FC in the 2017 showpiece – and he is particularly keen to correct that.

“I’ve never won the Challenge Cup, so it’s something that’s massive in my mind,” he said.

“Obviously, everyone wants to win trophies and it’s a massive opportunity for us against a top team.

“We’re three wins away from winning the Challenge Cup – it sounds easy but we know it will be very tough along the way.

“It’s something we’re striving for, though and we’ve got a big opportunity.”

Warrington Guardian: Williams was part of the Wigan side that lost to Hull FC in the 2017 Challenge Cup FinalWilliams was part of the Wigan side that lost to Hull FC in the 2017 Challenge Cup Final (Image: SWPix.com)