BRADFORD Dudley Hill didn’t know a whole heap about tomorrow’s Ladbrokes Challenge Cup opponents Loughborough University when the draw was made last month.

And they have admitted that they aren’t much further down the line this week before travelling to the Midlanders for a first-round clash (12.30).

Hill’s first-team manager Steve Wright said: “If we were playing a fellow National Conference League side or a Pennine League side we would know at least two or three of their players.

“But that is not the case with Loughborough. However, we know that they are one of the three top sides in student rugby league, alongside Leeds Met and Northumbria.

“Loughborough, which is a sporty university, should also have world-class facilities, such as 3G pitches and warm-up pitches.”

The hosts are currently leading BUCS Premier South with eight wins and two draws from ten matches, and despatched visitors Exeter 80-4 in their last match on Wednesday.

Loughborough also have GB Students winger Elliott Hall in their ranks, but Wright added: “As a Conference side we consider ourselves slight favourites, despite not having played any pre-season friendlies yet.”

While Neil Wall is serving the last game of a suspension from last year, Hill will be handing a debut to Birkenshaw back-rower Callum Wilkins.

Wright added: “It is nice to see a youngster who is prepared to test themselves at a higher level.”

Hill have also signed former Victoria Rangers duo, hooker Isaac Brown and winger Jordan Lambert, although ex-Cougar Brown is not available this weekend.

The visitors have already filled a 54-seater coach for the tie, which also includes the team and backroom staff.

Loughborough currently sit top and unbeaten in the BUCS Premier South and will be a tough challenge for Hill, who are currently in pre-season training.

Drighlington, under new coach Neil Cherryholme, are also on the road, facing the RAF.

In Pennine League Division Two Central, eighth plays seventh when Birkenshaw Bluedogs, who picked up a rare victory (28-18) at Wakefield City last week, welcome Wortley Dragons.

Fourth-placed Clayton travel to Wakefield City, who remain bottom and winless, while in the Championship Division, second-from-bottom Brighouse Rangers travel to fifth-placed Ossett Trinity.

They will be looking to bounce back from last week’s heavy defeat at Sharlston, and currently have two games in hand.

Victory in both could lift them into third in a competitive division where just seven points separate second place from bottom spot.