SAINTS prop Alex Walmsley will take confidence from his side’s impressive start to the season into their Tetley’s Challenge Cup fourth round tie away to the Huddersfield Giants on Sunday (2.15pm).

Walmsley believes that whilst the Giants will pose a difficult challenge on their own ground, the Saints can head into their first Cup match of the season ready for the challenge, on the back of some impressive league form.

“It couldn’t have been a much tougher draw,” said Walmsley. “Huddersfield were consistently the best team last year. In terms of the play-offs they probably didn’t do themselves justice but it’s going to be tough, it is a challenge we are relishing as a team and it’s going to be a great game, I am sure.

“You are not going to win the Challenge Cup final without beating some very good teams along the way. It’s a very tough first hurdle and it’s something that we are looking forward to testing ourselves with.

“We have played some very good teams this year already and every game has been tough on its own. Every team we have played has posed a massive test for us and fortunately we have managed to overcome those tests.”

Walmsley, who signed a contract extension with St Helens in the off-season, believes that while the younger players in the St Helens squad are beginning to make their mark in the first team, the presence of the more experienced players is just as important.

“Last year a lot of young lads were blooded into the team because of injuries and as a team we are better for that,” said Walmsley.

“But it is pivotal for our success having the likes of Paul Wellens, Jon Wilkin and James Roby around the squad every week. They have been in the Saints team for a lot of years and have success behind them.

“They have the experience and the pedigree to win and succeed, and to have them in the squad is massive for us. They lead by example and are squad members who everybody looks up to.”

Tickets for the Huddersfield Giants v St Helens Tetley’s Challenge Cup tie at Huddersfield on Sunday Aril 6 (2.15pm) can be purchased from as little as £10 for adults and £5 for children.

Tickets for the 2014 Tetley’s Challenge Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 23 cost from as little as £22 and can be purchased by calling the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 113 or by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk.