IT is the type of match only the Challenge Cup could throw up: the world’s oldest amateur rugby league club versus the 122-year-old competition’s newest entrants.

Oh, and with the added twist of Millom’s opponents in the first round being from Serbia.

The name of the Woolybacks’ opponents is a historic one though – that of Red Star Belgrade, one of the most famous sporting societies in the world.

Millom could hardly have asked for a more high-profile match to kick off their 2019 Cup campaign, which is set to get under way on the weekend of January 26 and 27.

But for Red Star, the opportunity to test themselves against a club from one of rugby league’s heartlands whose history stretches all the way back to 1873 is just as big an honour.

“They put out a message on social media saying they were honoured to be drawn against us, but likewise it’s an honour for us,” said Red Star director Matthew Wright.

“The rugby league stars have really aligned on this one and we’ve drawn one of the most historic clubs in the UK.

“It’s a real honour for us to be coming across, going up to Millom and being a part of history where rugby league has grounded itself for a lot of year.

“Hopefully we’ll be working with the club to draw a really good crowd and make it a historic day for everyone who turns up on the day.”

Since the draw was made last Friday evening, the two clubs have already been in contact to try to ensure the big day at Devonshire Road goes as smoothly as possible.

That includes Millom consulting with the Serbians about the best hotels to stay at and the best places to train in the build-up to the clash.

In the future, Red Star could well be regular visitors to these shores if they eventually step up to the professional British leagues.

For now though, they are just aiming to do their homeland proud in the prestigious knockout competition.

“We take a very grounded, one-step-at-a-time approach and right now the Challenge Cup is our focus and our priority,” said Wright. “Long-term – and we are talking a lot of years down the line – it could be something that’s looked at.

“For now, we’re happy to be in the Challenge Cup, and it’s something we’ll look to do as well in as we can and make a really good representation of ourselves.

“This isn’t just Red Star in the Challenge Cup, this is us being a representative of Serbia, wanting to do the country proud and put Serbia on the map for rugby league.”