Radwan out to preserve unbeaten run
The 3pm kick-off at Kingston Park Stadium sees the Falcons looking to build on their position at the top of Pool One, with the five group winners and three best runners-up going through to the quarter-finals.
“We’ve worked hard in both cups but we know it’s not done yet, and we need to maintain our unbeaten record,” said Radwan, the 20-year-old winger who has scored seven tries in his six games this season.
“We’re not taking anyone lightly, we’re preparing properly and hopefully we can put Enisei to the sword. We’ve picked a good side which has some very experienced players and some of the younger guys too, and we’re taking it seriously.
“We haven’t lost a cup game this season and that record does matter to the boys, so Sunday is a must-win game for us because we don’t want to lose our unbeaten tag.”
Refusing to underestimate the challenge on Sunday despite the Russian champions having lost all of their games in this season’s Challenge Cup, Radwan said: “Regardless of how Enisei have gone so far we won’t be taking our foot off the gas, and they’re a team who have beaten us before.
“If the guys upfront can provide us with a platform we believe we have the firepower to hurt them, but it won’t just fall into our laps. We have to go at them, create the space and take our chances when they come.
“Cup rugby is what I live and breathe for at the moment, and I’ve really enjoyed it so far this season. These are the games where I get to show what I’m all about, help the team to keep winning, and as a group we’re all buzzing.”
Radwan was speaking in the week that he agreed a new contract extension, having lit up the cups this season with his deadly finishing.
“As soon as I signed for this season my goal was to win another contract for the Falcons, and I’m delighted to have agreed another two years,” he said.
“Things are going really well but I’m definitely not done yet – there are still things I want to do and I’m learning all the time.
“I’m not getting carried away, and the guys here are really good at keeping me on the right track with little bits of my game which need work. You never want to be comfortable, you’re always learning and I’ve got some great role models here every day in training.
“My skills have come on a lot, and it’s weird to think back that just over a year ago I was playing National Three for Billingham. Things have kicked on further since then, I’ve gained a lot of experience and it’s all about learning from your mistakes.
“Being at Mowden Park has been great, they have a good set-up this year and it’s a good environment to be in. They’re sat second in National One, I’ve enjoyed the times I’ve been involved for them and it’s all about becoming a better player.”
Tickets for Sunday’s game are available by calling 0871 226 6060 or [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://www.eticketing.co.uk/newcastle-falcons/EDP/Event/Index/1324
