Ladbrokes Challenge Cup Round 4 preview: Normanton Knights v Batley Bulldogs

Normanton Knights are gearing up for one of the biggest games in their history.

Coach Paul Seal said: “Everyone around the club is excited and the supporters are excited about it, it’s a great occasion. It’s a great day for a community club when you draw a professional side.

“It’s a chance for some of the lads to test themselves against a professional outfit which they’re all looking forward to and playing at a Super League ground is another thing for them to get excited about and look forward to.

“They’re been in great spirits this week, they’ve loved training and are playing really well.

“I don’t see why we can’t cause a Cup upset, but we have to be realistic a lot of it is about the day and the lads enjoying it and the supporters enjoying the day out.”

John Kear, the Batley coach, is looking forward to the challenge.

“Last week, against Bradford, it was the underdog part timers against the full timers and this week it’s the underdog amateurs against the semi-professional team so it’s a complete flipside,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it simply because it’s a great competition and from a personal point of view I’m going back to a club that I’ve got great memories of and have a great affection for.

“As a club we see it as a great opportunity to progress in the Cup. It’s knock out football so there are no second chances and the players should feel very privileged to play a part in the oldest Rugby League competition in the world.”

The match is being played at The Rapid Solicitors Stadium, home of the Wakefield Trinity Wildcats.