1895 Cup: Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers LIVE

Batley's new signing from Australian side Western Suburbs Magpies, Jonny Mitsias, as said by Moxon before the game, is not included. The outside back played three times for Greece in the World Cup and could be a big addition for the Bulldogs.

And this is the side which James Ford has named:

Aekins, Wacokecoke, Wynne, Minikin, Gale, Reynolds, Lacans, Springer, Jones, Massey, Day, Hardcastle, Addy

Interchanges: Bowes, Roberts, Kamano, England

Here's how Batley line up in Mark Moxon's first competitive game in charge:

Butterworth, Morton, Buchanan, J Burton, Kear, White, Woods, Gledhill, Leak, Cooper, Manning, Walshaw, Blake

Interchanges: O Burton, Flynn, Moore, Ward

And Featherstone are in pole position in Group 5 thanks to their 62-12 hammering of Hunslet last weekend. Another win for Fev this afternoon will seal their progress. Can the Bulldogs prevent that and, in the process, give themselves a great chance of making the last eight themselves? Stay with us to find out. Kick off is at 2pm. Next up, the team news...

Of course, the 2024 competition is a totally different format which sees seven groups three fight out to come out on top, with the best second place side completing a quarter final line up.

It is the Bulldogs' first outing in the competition since their heartbreaking 12-10 defeat to Halifax Panthers in last season's showpiece final at Wembley - the first ever time the club had played at the national stadium. Despite the result, it was a day that will live long in the memory of all Batley fans.

Hello and a very warm welcome to an overcast, dull and rather blustery setting here at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium where Batley Bulldogs will be taking on Featherstone Rovers in the 1895 Cup.