Challenge Cup: Batley Bulldogs v Rochdale Hornets LIVE

And it's the Bulldogs who get us underway. They will be playing up the hill in the first half.

Here come the teams! Kick off is moments away.

The Bulldogs' 2023 Challenge Cup journey ended in the sixth round at the hands of Hull KR. But their superb exploits in the competition ensured an 1895 Cup semi-final appearance at York Knights which they went onto win - and secured their first ever visit to Wembley. Will there be more cup magic in the air in 2024?

Both teams are just going through their final preparations. Kick off is less than 15 minutes away.

Here is what Batley head coach Mark Moxon had to say ahead of the game:

https://www.dewsburyreporter.co.uk/news/people/challenge-cup-preview-improving-batley-bulldogs-aiming-to-keep-momentum-going-against-rochdale-hornets-4525543

And this is how Rochdale line up this afternoon:

McNally, Brierley, Juma, Harrop, Nixon, Ridyard, Else, Nelmes, Rudd, Brannan, Forster, Straugheir, Meadows

Interchanges: Flanagan, Andrade, Brennan, Killan

Just a couple of tweaks from Mark Moxon from the side which beat Hunslet 36-0 in last weekend's 1895 Cup group encounter. Jonny Mitsias starts on the wing for his debut in place of Dale Morton and Luke Blake also comes into the starting 13 with Alistair Leak dropping to the bench. Oli Burton and Michael Ward miss out with Dave Gibbons named on the bench.

Here is how Batley line up for today's cup tie:

Butterworth, Mitsias, Buchanan, Senior, J Burton, White, Woods, Gledhill, Moore, Cooper, Manning, Walshaw, Blake

Interchanges: Leak, Brown, Flynn, Gibbons

Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our live coverage of this intriguing fourth round Challenge Cup tie between Batley Bulldogs and Rochdale Hornets. Can the Bulldogs make it four competitive wins at the start of 2024? Stay with us to find out. Kick off is at 2pm. Team news is on the way.