The strange kick-off time today is because the game is being shown 'live' on the Welsh television channel S4C. The fact this is the Bridgend-based club's first league game at this level is expected to create a good deal of interest and the Rams will be under extra pressure against a home side particularly keen to do well as they launch an all-out bid for a Super League franchise next season. Clearly there must be no easing off at any time.
Dewsbury's preparations for the game saw them travel down to Wales last night and they will stay over tonight before returning tomorrow. Coach Andy Kelly explained: "The players have contributed quite readily to the cost and have been having money taken from their Northern Rail Cup payments.
"We have been planning for the start of the league season for some time, we have a very tough weekend in store against two different types of team. We are aware we have to lift our game. We have one or two problems at the moment and the biggest is the tendency to make a slow start."
In recent weeks the Rams have conceded three quick early tries at Featherstone, when they were well beaten, trailed 20-6 to amateurs Oulton and were 6-0 down after two minutes against Hunslet last Sunday, both of which they came back to win, but some supporters let their feelings known.
Kelly added: "With all due respect to the last two clubs, many teams in the First Division won't let you back in if they get ahead. It's also important we make a good start to the season, if you lose two or three games early on, anxiety sets in, particularly when you have only 18 league fixtures to play.
"We have come up short in the last two or three games and I know some people have become frustrated. I can assure them this is not due to lack of commitment, the players have really worked hard at all times, there has never been a lack of effort."
The Rams expect to have stand-off Josh Weeden available again after missing out last Sunday because of a shoulder problem. Winger Bryn Powell will miss both games due to a shoulder injury, which has already seen him miss three games, otherwise the Rams expect to be at strength.
Celtic's game against Doncaster last Saturday was called off because the ground was waterlogged so it seems likely there will be heavy going. Both teams had already qualified for the knockout stage and the Rugby League decided the match did not have to be re-arranged.
Halifax have been scoring for fun in their group, piling up 296 points against Whitehaven, Workington and Keighley. They lost their only game last Sunday at Whitehaven when they were already assured of top spot and rested six regulars, including star stand-off Graham Holroyd.
Kelly's fears about higher-placed clubs in the Northern Rail groups having no advantage in the draw were realised when the Rams were paired at Rochdale, who finished third in their group, in the first knockout stage on April 6. However, the game gives the Rams a good chance of making progress.