Workington Town v Newcastle Thunder 1895 Cup match preview

Sunday afternoon sees Newcastle Thunder travel to Workington as they face off in ther Preliminary round of the 1895 Cup. The winner of this one will host Batley on the weekend of 18th/19th April.

Familiar faces for Thunder fans

Workington have familiar faces in Alex Donaghy, Evan Lawther, Jake Dickinson and Tobias Gibson named in their squad. Evan's become an instant hit with Workington fans with his abraisive style of play and with Jake arriving on trial the two have formed an exciting parternship. Jake has scored five tries in his first two games. It's good to see these lads getting game time and doing well.

Workington finished a very credible second in League 1 last season and got their first victory of the league season with a thumping win over Salford last weekend. They have had some tough games with Barrow and Widnes, the Widnes game saw them only lose out 22-10. They currently sit fifteenth in The Betfred Championship but the Salford win and a draw at a rejuvinated Keighley side will give Town hope that things are on the up.

As well as the ex Thunder quartet, Workington welcome talisman Jamie Doran into the squad for the first time this season following an ankle injury. They may also look to use the likes of Grant Reid who was impressive in his performance at Thunder last season to make room for Dickinson and the dangerous Zarrin Galea to cause Thunder problems.

Without doubt the ex-Thunder lads will be up for this and will look to set the tone for Workington on Sunday afternoon.

Consistency is key for Thunder

Graham Steadman has named his squad for this one and makes one change from the squad that was named for Swinton, Myles Harrison is named in place of Sean Croston.

Thunder produced a mature performance in their victory at a Swinton side who through everything at Thunder in a real physical encounter. I said in my preview last week I wanted to see an improved defensive effort and it was really pleasing to see that. The attack didn't quite click as it has previously but I still firmly believe that when it does, the opposition will be put to the sword.

Conditions look like they could play a part on Sunday with wind and rain forecast at Workington, Thunder will have to be at their physical best to deal with this Workington outfit and make sure the basics are done well and sets completed. This could well be a properly hard fought cup tie.

Sam Cook looked a really good addition last week at Swinton acting as another ball playing option but also directing play. Taylor Pemberton had another strong game captaining the side and he'll look to continue his excellent form into this cup tie, he'll look to play quick around the play of the ball to keep Workington on their toes. There's a chance for Thunder to go on a cup run on Sunday, Workington's a tough place to go but if we turn up and play as we can we can get past this Workington outfit.

Squads and officials:

Workington Town: 1. Zarrin Galea, 3. Rio-Osayonwambo Corkill, 4. Braden Leigh, 5. Alex Donaghy, 6. Jake Carter, 7. Dom Wear, 9. Jamie Doran, 11. Mason Lewthwaite, 15. Callum Farrer, 16. Guy Graham, 17. Lucas Castle, 18. Jude Lupton, 19. Spencer Fulton, 20. Tyce Walmsley, 21. Evan Lawther, 23. Tobias Gibson, 24. Grant Reid, 25. Bear Williams, 33. Delaine Gittens-Bedward, Jack Ainley, Jake Dickinson.

Newcastle Thunder: 1. Myles Harrison, 2. Andy Djeukessi, 3. Joe Law, 5. Brad Ward, 6. Cody Hunter, 7. Will Roberts (loan), 9. Taylor Pemberton, 11. Harvey Reynolds, 12. Noah Whittingham, 13. Sam Cook, 15. Brenden Santi, 16. Leo Tennison, 18. Ukuma Ta'ai, 19. Jack Brown, 22. John Sagaga (loan), 24. Matty Foster (loan), 25. Jack Smith (loan), 27. Jordan Lipp (loan), 28. Tyler Walton, 30. Tom Inman.

Referee: D. Arnold

Reserve Referee: C. Regan

Touch Judge 1: J. Broomhead

Touch Judge 2: B., Worsley

Time Keeper: R. Jones

Venue: Fibrus Community Stadium

Kick off: 15:30

1895 Cup fixtures this weekend

London Broncos v Barrow Raiders (home win)

Swinton Lions v Sheffield Eagles (away win)

Workington Town v Newcastle Thunder (away win)