The Challenge Cup is back, and this weekend promises a thrilling start to the second round! While pre-season friendlies featuring Super League teams are happening, they won't be gracing our screens. Instead, all the action and broadcast attention is firmly on the Challenge Cup!
This weekend, 18 exciting ties are scheduled to kick off the second round of the Challenge Cup. Among these, three matches have been selected for television coverage, giving fans a fantastic opportunity to follow their favorite teams. This includes a highly anticipated clash between two Championship sides – a real treat for fans of that division!
But here's where it gets interesting: While eight Super League teams are participating in four pre-season friendlies, none of these exhibition matches will be broadcast. This means the spotlight is truly on the Challenge Cup to deliver the televised drama.
And this is the part most people miss: Out of the 18 scheduled fixtures, one game has already been cancelled. Lock Lane versus Featherstone Rovers will not be played as the community club, Lock Lane, has been awarded a bye to the third round. This is due to Featherstone Rovers' current administration situation. This also means that Hull KR, the current Challenge Cup holders, will face Lock Lane in the third round, and they've confirmed they will host this exciting tie at their home stadium on Friday, February 6th.
For those eager to watch the action unfold, here's your guide to the televised games:
Saturday's Broadcast: Get ready for an all-Championship showdown as Sheffield Eagles host Whitehaven. This match is set to be aired live on BBC iPlayer, giving you a front-row seat to the action. The victorious team from this encounter will earn the right to face the formidable Warrington Wolves, who have been the runners-up in the Challenge Cup for both 2024 and 2025.
Sunday's Double Header: Sunday offers two more televised fixtures, both kicking off at 1:30 PM. First, Widnes Vikings will be streaming their away game against Thatto Heath Crusaders on YouTube. The winner of this match will advance to face the mighty Leeds Rhinos. Simultaneously, at 1:30 PM, Waterhead Warriors will host Rochdale Hornets. The winner of this clash will earn a shot at taking on the formidable Wigan Warriors. This exciting encounter will be broadcast on the Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel.
Challenge Cup Round Two Fixtures and Viewing Information:
Saturday, January 24th:
- Heworth vs. Keighley Cougars – Elmpark Way – Kick-off: 1:30 PM
- Ince Rose Bridge vs. Swinton Lions – Pinfold Street – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- Wigan St Judes vs. Barrow Raiders – Parsons Meadow – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- Sheffield Eagles vs. Whitehaven – Steel City Stadium – Kick-off: 2:30 PM – Live on BBC iPlayer
- Stanningley vs. Hunslet – Arthur Miller Stadium – Kick-off: 2:30 PM
- Hammersmith Hills Hoists vs. Salford RLFC – Chiswick RUFC – Kick-off: 6:00 PM
Sunday, January 25th:
- Thatto Heath Crusaders vs. Widnes Vikings – Crusader Park – Kick-off: 1:00 PM – Widnes' YouTube Channel
- Waterhead Warriors vs. Rochdale Hornets – Oldham RUFC – Kick-off: 1:30 PM – Sportsman Rugby League YouTube Channel
- Blackbrook vs. Workington Town – Boardmans Lane – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- Batley Bulldogs vs. Hunslet ARLFC – Fox’s Biscuits Stadium – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- London Broncos vs. Wests Warriors – Richmond Athletic Ground – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- Dewsbury Rams vs. West Hull – FLAIR Stadium – Kick-off: 2:00 PM
- North Wales Crusaders vs. Bedford Tigers – Stadiwm Eirias – Kick-off: 2:30 PM
- Oldham vs. Orrell St James – Bower Field, (Stalybridge Celtic) – Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Mirfield Spartans vs. Goole Vikings – Victoria Pleasure Grounds, Goole – Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Halifax Panthers vs. London Chargers – The Shay – Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Doncaster vs. Newcastle Thunder – Eco-Power Stadium – Kick-off: 3:00 PM
- Midlands Hurricanes vs. Aberavon Fighting Irish – Avery Fields – Kick-off: 5:00 PM
Here's a thought-provoking question for you: With the focus on the Challenge Cup, is it a good strategy to not broadcast any of the Super League pre-season friendlies, or could this be a missed opportunity to engage a wider audience? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! Do you agree with the broadcast choices, or do you think other games should have been featured? We'd love to hear your opinions!
