Goole Vikings chief executive James Clark says this weekend’s Challenge Cup tie at Super League side Warrington Wolves is a “great reward” for the recently-revamped club.
The East Riding outfit head to nine-time winners Warrington in round four on Saturday (14:00 GMT) in a game switched to Wolves’ 15,000-seater Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Goole were set up in 2018 and Clark, a former CEO at Hull FC, joined them two years ago when they successfully applied to join the pro ranks in first League 1 last year and now the expanded Championship in 2026.
He told BBC Radio Merseyside their 18-14 victory over Halifax in the previous round summed up the club’s rise.
“It was the first time I’d really seen it come together,” Clark said. “I really saw and felt that vibe, seeing the lads really fight for each other.
“We set out a year earlier to build a team from scratch – we had six weeks to do it, and we wanted a team that had a strong culture, wasn’t about the money, was about being in it together and giving these young lads a chance.”
Goole’s head coach is former Hull KR, Wigan, Hull FC and England player Scott Taylor.
Clark says Taylor has done a remarkable job with the Goole squad, which includes former Wire player Andre Savelio.
“For me, the draw was almost a bit of a reward for Scott and the boys, and seeing how far we’ve come,” he added.
“It’s also great for everyone else at the club. You can imagine at this level when you’re brand new and haven’t got a lot of money, you’re relying on volunteers. We have a small junior section in the club as well.
“It’s great to play a team like Warrington Wolves, led by Sam Burgess, one of the superstars of the game.
“We’re coming up against the nine-time winners, so it’s a great opportunity for the club and the players, and hopefully something the town can get behind and help us grow the sport in this area.”