GILDudson and his Widnes Vikings team-mates are ready to bounce back and get back to winning ways in their Ladbrokes Challenge Cup quarter-final clash with local rivals Warrington Wolves tonight at the Halliwell Jones Stadium (8.00pm)

The last time these two teams met in Warrington was in front of packed stadium over the Easter weekend when the Vikings narrowly got edged out by the Wolves. Dudson is sure the Cup atmosphere between these two local sides will add to the performance on the field.

“It’s a local derby, away from home, it’s going to be a massive,” said the 26-year-old Welsh international.

“They’re going to be up for it, so we’ll have to be ready straight from the start. Anything can happen and that’s the magic of the Cup.

“They’ve beaten us twice this year but that has no bearing at all, this is the Cup, it’s a totally different competition but we’ll be going there with something to prove as well.

“When we played them here on Good Friday it was a similar atmosphere to a Wigan versus Saints match, the fans really get into it, it’s a big game. We’ll be up for it.

Dudson has already experienced Challenge Cup success with Wigan Warriors in 2013 and believes it’s a very special competition for players, clubs and fans.

“I played at Wembley in the 2013 final and the year before in the Four Nations, but it was a totally different atmosphere. The Challenge Cup was a different beast altogether. It’s a brilliant experience and one I won’t forget.

“The Challenge Cup is special to everyone, it’s the pressure of knock-out Rugby League. Oldham beat Hull KR, anyone can win on any day. It’s an exciting competition and everyone wants to get to Wembley.”