With this in mind he’s somewhat reserved in his expectations for Saturday.

“I don't expect anything easy in Rugby League,” he said, “but I do expect Rochdale Hornets to raise their game significantly to welcome a Super League side to Spotland.”

“I fully understand the circumstance they now find themselves in, I have been there personally whilst coaching Whitehaven against St Helens - the then World Champions - at the Recreation Ground not too long ago.

Hot on the heels of a big win over Wakefield last week, Cullen is keen to ensure that complacency doesn’t see the Wolves cock-up: “We are on guard and determined not to let this tie get out of hand.”