JOHNNY WALKER says the prospect of facing Super League opposition should be a huge motivating factor for North Wales Crusaders players this weekend.

The Wrexham club head to National Conference side Thatto Heath Crusaders in tomorrow’s fourth round clash looking to advance to round five for the first time since 2015.

Should they triumph against the amateur St Helens club, the Cru will go into the hat with Super League’s bottom four from last year - Leeds, Salford, Hull KR and London.

Veteran prop forward Walker was part of the Crusaders sides who faced Wigan and Featherstone in 2012 and 2015 respectively and hopes to have another chance to face top-level opposition again,

He said: “That’s what the Challenge Cup’s all about, giving lower league teams the chance to test themselves against the best.

“Playing against Super League sides like Wigan are days you never forget as a player and you want more and more of that once you’ve experienced it.

“It’s all set up to be a cracking cup-tie, because the Thatto Heath players will know exactly what’s at stake themselves and will be desperate to turn us over and create an upset.”

Thatto Heath, coached by Richard Owen, left, are one of only four amateur sides remaining in the competition, have defeated Stanningley, Leigh Miners Rangers and Rochdale Mayfield in their cup rounds so far this year.

North Wales head coach Anthony Murray expects a performance of ‘pride and passion’ from the hosts and insists his players cannot afford to underestimate the opposition.

Murray travels with a near full-strength squad for the game with Matt Reid and Kenny Hughes set to undergo late fitness tests.

Featherstone Rovers kick off the cup action tomorrow with a home tie against Swinton Lions while on Sunday, Featherstone Lions hosts Doncaster. League One leaders Hunslet entertain Halifax and Bradford Bulls visit Keighley.

Sunday’s other ties: Whitehaven v Rochdale Hornets; Workington v Newcastle Thunder; Sheffield Eagles v Leigh Centurions; Dewsbury Rams v West Hull; Batley Bulldogs v Lock Lane; Oldham v Widnes Vikings; Barrow Raiders v York City Knights.