South West London Chargers are looking to make Rugby League history on Saturday when they start their assault on the Challenge Cup.
The club, which was formed a year ago from a merger of the South London Storm and West London Sharks, will take on Welsh champions Torfaen Tigers at Chiswick in the first round of the prestigious competition, in which they are hoping to reach Wembley.
Whoever wins will be just one more victory away from the third round and the introduction of Championship opposition – including Sheffield Eagles, Leigh Centurions and Keighley Cougars.
“Showing no disrespect to Torfaen Tigers, I believe that we are an equal standard to them,” said South West London Chargers President Cameron Paul.
“It is a great opportunity for us, but we have got to keep ourselves grounded.
“A few West London Sharks players played in the Challenge Cup back in the 2009 competition, so a few have had a taste but it is not hard to motivate the guys – if we win two games then we could get drawn against Championship opposition.
“We’ve been training for a month now, so will be able to go out and give it a good shot. We have people from Australia and New Zealand involved in the club and they all know about the competition. It’s the Challenge Cup – it’s an honour to play in it.”
Admission is free and kick off is at 2.00pm.
The first-round draw in full (ties to be played over the weekend of February 1 and 2, 2014):
Underbank Rangers v East Leeds
Leeds Metropolitan University v Millom
Blackbrook v Egremont Rangers
Shaw Cross v Thatto Heath
Leigh Miners v Hunslet Warriors
Oulton Raiders v West Hull
Saddleworth Rangers v Milford Marlins
Kells v Wigan St Judes
Skirlaugh v Rochdale Mayfield
RAF v Dewsbury Celtic
Askam v British Army
Royal Navy v Walney Central
Myton Warriors v East Hull
Loughborough University v Great Britain Police
South West London Chargers v Torfaen Tigers
Widnes St Maries v Wigan St Pats
Pilkington Recs v Aberdeen Warriors
York Acorn v Siddal
Wath Brow Hornets v Halton Simms Cross
Woolston Rovers v Elland
Lock Lane v Normanton Knights
Hull Dockers v Bristol Sonics
