Dewsbury Rams fullback Josh Guzdek says the players will approach Sunday’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup tie away at Whitehaven with a determination to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Toulouse.
“We want to pick some confidence and momentum up again this weekend,” said Guzdek.
“Cumbria is a tough place to go, but we know we can go there and get a good result. Then we have a tough game against Leigh in the league, against a full-time opponent.
“After losing against Toulouse, it would be good to bounce back and get a win up in Whitehaven and put the mistakes we made against Toulouse right.
“It’s always tough in Cumbria. The pitches aren’t the best and it’s a long way to travel, but you just have to go up there and do a job really and be as professional as we can.
“However, we will also enjoy the trip and make the most of it as a squad.”
Guzdek travelled to Wembley as part of the Hull KR squad when they reached the Final of the competition in 2015.
“I like the Challenge Cup. You get to play against some of the big sides if you get far enough in the competition, and obviously you don’t get many chances to play on these big stages.
“When I was at Hull KR, we got to Wembley and that was a really good experience. To be a part of that squad in the build up to that week was really something special.”
Reflecting on Sunday’s defeat to Toulouse, Guzdek believes the team can take positives from the performance.
“I thought we played alright in patches, especially the second half, but in the first half we made a few basic errors, which were disappointing.
“In the second half, they just got the better of us in terms of energy levels and they were able to play some quality stuff.
“If we can learn from those mistakes it will stand us in good stead. We need to be positive about it and not negative.
“It was just those moments where we suffered a lapse in concentration that we need to learn from. However, we aren’t too far away from battling against the top teams.”
Guzdek added that he’s been content with his own start to the season, but admits he’s looking forward to playing on firmer surfaces in the months ahead.
“It’s still early on, and I am doing what I can whilst the pitches are a bit soggy, but once they get a bit better that’s when I can really show my stuff.
“I’m just trying to help the boys with my carries and trying to keep my talk up as much as possible. That’s something I’m always looking to work on.”
