WEST Bowling head coach Ryan Hunkin is excited for his side's Challenge Cup first round fixture, but the league remains priority.

Hunkin's men will take on London based Hammersmith Hills Hoists at home tomorrow, ahead of Bowling's first NCL Division Two fixture on March 2.

Hunkin said: "We're feeling good about it. It's essentially a pre-season game for us and the focus is still on the league and our first game at Askham.

"We began pre-season in November, we've gone for long sessions in the gym, plenty of fitness work, and we've done the same on Saturdays. The players are feeling the benefits and we've also got some fresh blood in."

Despite wanting to concentrate on the league, Hunkin said Bowling would give it a good go to get through to the Challenge Cup second round and beyond.

He said: "It's massive for the club. It's a prestigious competition, probably the biggest in rugby league. Of course we want to go further, ideally into round three.

"It's a big ask, but we're capable of it, there's plenty of ability in the squad and we've got some young stars. Some of them are on the verge of being semi-professional."

The Hammersmith Hills Hoists - named after a washing line - were formed just over a decade ago, but tasted success last year when winning the London Men's League.

Hunkin is only too aware of how dangerous London sides can be, giving the West Warriors' victory at Featherstone in the 2017 Challenge Cup as an example.

The coach is also expecting quite a few Australians and Kiwis in the Hill Hoists side.

Hunkin added: "We're not underestimating them, but we know our strengths and what we're all about so if we perform at the level we're capable of, we'll not be far off.

"We'll give them the respect they deserve for their London title, but they'll have to earn it here. We'll be doing all we can to get into the second round."

Beyond the cup, Hunkin says the ambition is to grow the club.

He said: "We've now got an A team and they're playing in the Bradford Cup at Queensbury on the same day as the main team play in the Challenge Cup. This is a real ambition for the club.

"We want to grow the club, we have a strong juniors and we want a third team."