Rugby league: Mayfield preview

Rochdale Mayfield club crest

Freezing conditions made sure that last week's BetFred Challenge Cup first round fixture at the Mayfield Sports Centre couldn't go ahead. It looks like this week will be different though and Mayfield look forward to hosting Telford Raiders in the prestigious competition.

Telford make their debut in the Challenge Cup by virtue of being the Harry Jepson Trophy winners. They are also Midlands League champions two years running. They come to Rochdale as underdogs and say they have nothing to lose in this game. They will, without doubt arrive with winning on their mind and the prospect of a massive game at Boundary Park against the Oldham Roughyheads in the next round for the winners, will only add to the occasion.

Mayfield's coaching team of Sam Butterworth and Steve Wood know better than to treat their opponents lightly and have prepared hard for this game. They know that this is like a cup final for the Midland side and they know the visitors will come out all guns blazing.

Butterworth said: "We have prepared well for this one, we love the Challenge Cup and we are looking to move on to the next round. We slipped up last year down in London as we went out early doors. There will be no repeat of that this weekend.

"Since Christmas the lads have buckled down and the numbers have been great at the sessions. We are hoping to have three new signings on show on Saturday and what better way to make your debut for a new club than in the Challenge Cup."

The new signings include the two new Australians, Luke Polselli and Jack Wright, who have a superb pedigree with Polselli having represented Italy in the last world cup and Wright, brother of Mayfield favourite Sam, winning the Queensland cup with his side the Norths Devils last year. These two will be joined by Connor Ratcliffe, a powerful second rower, who has signed this week from Rochdale Hornets, after previously playing for Leigh Miners and Wigan St Judes.

A great game of rugby league is expected and Mayfield chairman Neil Ramsden would like to welcome all supporters, be they old or just dipping their toes into rugby league, they will all receive a warm Mayfield welcome as they cheer their team on.

All supporters are reminded that there is an early kick off on Saturday in case of extra time and that the revised admission charge will be £4 for adults and £2 concessions.

Fixture 18 January 2025

Challenge Cup round one: Mayfield v Telford Raiders, 1.30pm kick off