Although Thatto Heath had their 2017 Grand Final success streamed on the internet to a worldwide audience, this is their first taste of the BBC Sport broadcast treatment.
Their route to the second round was a tricky away tie at Saddleworth, and they find themselves on the road again on Saturday.
“It’s been great,” coach Owen said. “It’s worked really well and it’s proactive for the grassroots game which is a fantastic spectacle.
“It generates excitement for the players, whether they’ve played professionally or not, and gives them a new zest.
“It can have a knock-on effect for sponsors too as they get to see their brand on TV and it gives them a buzz.”
While some fans, players and coaches will dreaming of the fairytale road to Wembley, there is a pragmatic realism at Thatto Heath.
Winning the NCL Grand Final last season was an achievement to be proud of, and Owen is putting all the resources behind another successful campaign.
“We know we’re not going to win the Challenge Cup,” Owen continued.
“We enter the cup to prepare for the league season but if we’re successful, then our ‘Wembley’ becomes a draw with a Championship club.
“The offset is if we get that far in the competition it starts to affect our league form. So there will be changes of personnel.”
