HEAD coach Tony Rea admits is high time London Broncos got into the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup once more.
Broncos have not made the last four since reaching their only final in 1999, when, with Rea as chief executive, they lost to Leeds Rhinos at Wembley.
The Stoop side have reached the quarter-finals on four occasions since, making the last eight once more with last weekend's 25-16 win over Bradford Bulls.
Rea said: “They were great days when we reached the final, and even the semi-final was a great occasion. We want to be a part of these big events, to get there again would be fantastic.
“It's long overdue. I hope to use my experience from 1999 to motivate the players, you have to make sure you learn from the past.”
Broncos have even been wearing a special kit for this season's cup campaign which is a nod back to the red, yellow and blue colours the club wore in those days.
Rea's men will not know who they face in the last eight until tomorrow's delayed draw, but with the quarter-finals not being played for a few months, Rea admits keeping his players focused will be his challenge.
He said: “It's unusual having such a long wait between rounds. They say you have to just switch off from it, but it will be lingering in the background, and my job is to keep the players focused on Super League in the meantime and build some momentum going into the tie.
“We don't place too much emphasis on who we will draw in the next round as at this stage it's all about hard work, nobody will hand it to you. But a home draw would be preferable.”
Broncos return to Super League action tomorrow at home to Wigan Warriors without previously ever-present prop Antonio Kaufusi, who starts a two-match ban for a reckless tackle against Bradford, but Rea is not overly concerned.
He added: “It's not about any individual as our whole front row works as a unit. It gives somebody else the chance to step in and make it hard for Antonio to get his place back.”
