Match Preview: Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder.

The Challenge Cup returns this weekend and Sunday afternoon sees Newcastle Thunder travel to Doncaster in the second round. The prize for the winners is a home tie against Castleford in round three.

Doncaster have become an established Championship outfit and will pose a big challenge to Thunder on Sunday afternoon. They have expeience such as Cory Aston, Pauli Pauli, Tom Holmes and Alex Sutcliffe. They had a really good 19-12 victory over Halifax Panthers last weekend.

Newcastle Thunder will be buoyed from their 28-10 win on the road at Midlands Hurricanes and have named their squad. Matty Foster, Kieran Hudson and Jordan Lipp come in on loan from York. Matty Foster is a second row who was at Salford and Oldham last season having come through the St Helens system. Kieran Hudson is a more familiar name to Thunder fans, he came through the Thunder system and has had time at Leeds Rhinos and Castleford. Jordan Lipp is a utility back who joined York from Norths Devils in The Queensland Cup.

Thunder fans can look forward to seeing Ryan Jackson after his man of the match performance last week. Conditions look like they could be similar to last weekend although on a grass pitch this week, albeit a football league surface will make for heavier going. Thunder are going to have to be at their physical best to beat this Doncaster side. With a place in the next round and a home tie against Castleford on the line, it's going to be fierce!

Newcastle Thunder

1 - Myles Harrison

2 - Andy Djeukessi

5 - Brad Ward

6 - Cody Hunter

7 - Will Roberts

8 - Bailey Antrobus

9 - Taylor Pemberton

10 - Ryan Jackson

11 - Harvey Reynolds

12 - Noah Whittingham

14 - Maxime Rostang

15 - Brenden Santi

16 - Leo Tennison

18 - Ukuma Ta'ai

19 - Jack Brown

23 - Aidan McGowan

24 - Matty Foster

26 - Kieran Hudson

27 - Jordan Lipp

Kick off is 15:00 on Sunday 25th January at the Eco-Power Stadium, your support and noise will be appreciated!