EASTERN Rhinos are relishing the prospect of playing in the Rugby League Challenge Cup for the first time this weekend.

The Colchester-based side host Wests Warriors in the competition at Colchester Sports Park on Sunday, kick-off 2.30pm.

The Rhinos have been indifferent about the draw; they are happy to be at home, pleased to be in the cup, but there was a bit of excitement before the draw about potentially playing someone new, maybe from the heartlands.

Instead, they welcome their old friends Wests Warriors, this weekend.

Wests have had more success in recent times, with the last Rhinos win coming in June 2018 with a 20-16 victory, in the old London Premier League.

There have been a few close games between the two teams and some convincing wins for the Warriors, since then.

The Rhinos will be looked at as underdogs but their coaching staff, led by Pete Le Marquand, have had the club's players in for training earlier than ever before to prepare.

The team will be looking to perform well and will be aiming to make it through to round two, where the opponents will be the winner of the Army and the RAF game.