Batley Bulldogs v Catalans Dragons: Challenge of facing Catalans welcomed by Bulldogs

The Championship club host star-studded Super League high-fliers Catalans Dragons in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup sixth round this evening, an enticing tie that is being televised live by Sky Sports.

If the match had been played at the start of last month, Batley may have been rated as potential protagonists in causing a major shock given they had won seven and drawn one of their opening nine games of the season.

However, Kear’s side are currently in a comparative slump having lost their last four league fixtures, although they defeated Featherstone Rovers in the Cup in the middle of that run.

But Kear is well aware of the unpredictable nature of this competition given he led Sheffield Eagles to the most famous upset ever, defeating Wigan in the 1998 Wembley final.

It is a recollection of his playing days, however, and facing Lewis, the famous Australia stand-off nicknamed ‘The King’ who played at Wakefield Trinity in 1983-84, that sprung to mind ahead of tonight’s game.

“It’s a great tie for the club,” said Kear, hoping his side will fare better than when they lost 74-12 to Catalans in the 2010 Challenge Cup quarter-final at Mount Pleasant, their only other meeting.

“We’re playing the form team of Super League and they’ve got a galaxy of stellar names.

“My players want to be able to say when they’re retired ‘I played against the ‘Coal Train’ or I played against Willie Mason.’

“I know this from my own experience. One of the proudest games I had for Castleford was playing against Wally Lewis.

“Those are the games you remember and you relish the challenge.”

Kear, who ends his five-year stint with Batley at the end of the season to re-join Wakefield as director of football, had wished for some dank weather to aid their quest against a side sitting second in the top flight.

“I was hoping for the rain gods to smile down on us and for the rain and wind to be blowing downhill but it looks like it’s going to be nice,” said Kear.

“We’re really looking forward to it, though.

“There is no pressure on us. If we get walloped, it’s just what everybody expects, and if we don’t, then we can come away feeling as if we’ve done a pretty good job.”

In a move to allow youngsters the chance to see some of the sport’s current stars - England scrum-half Richie Myler, prolific former Wigan winger Pat Richards and France captain Remi Casty are also named - they cut admission to just £1 with £10 for adults.