SHAUN McRae has issued a stark warning to his Super League stars before his Hull side visit Hilton Park for a tasty Powergen Challenge Cup tie against Leigh Centurions.

Director of Rugby McRae has told his players: "Treat Leigh with great respect, because if you don't you could be in trouble."

The Centurions are also relishing the chance to do battle with one of the top teams in Super League and with Hull traditionally having a large away following, Leigh will be guaranteed their biggest gate since the visit of Wigan two years ago.

McRae adds: "Leigh are desperate to get into the Super League and they will see this as a big challenge for them and a guide.

"I have no doubts that they will play with tremendous enthusiasm and on their own ground they'll probably fancy their chances.

"It is a tie we have to take very seriously, especially when you look at the shocks we have already seen in the last round at the weekend."

But opposite number Darren Abram admits he would have preferred an easier tie.

"I want to get Leigh as far as I can in the Challenge Cup and that means taking an easier route. But having said that we are looking forward to the challenge of testing ourselves against one of the best in the business," he said.

"When I told the players after training who we'd drawn they weren't fazed in the slightest. They all said they were determined to put a show on and I think a lot of them feel we can turn them over. We'll certainly be giving it our best shot."