Challenge Cup third round draw as three amateur clubs land Super League ties
The Challenge Cup third-round draw is now locked in, with three Super League clubs set to take on amateur opposition. Second-round fixtures have been contested this weekend, with every tie but one now finalised ahead of the next round of the competition.
It's set to be a huge occasion for West Hull, York Acorn and Wests Warriors, who have been rewarded for their victories with games against St Helens, Hull FC and Leeds Rhinos. The Challenge Cup has been revamped this year, with Super League clubs entering the competition a round earlier and also guaranteed to play away from home at this stage of the competition. And it has thrown up some new adventures for clubs and their supporters.
The standout tie of the competition appears to be Bradford Bulls versus Castleford Tigers, which will be played at Odsal. Danny McGuire will take his side to face Brian Noble's men who have been heavily tipped to win the Championship this year.
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Elsewhere, Goole Vikings' shock victory over London Broncos in their first-ever competitive professional game will see them host Wakefield Trinity while Workington Town will host 2023 winners Leigh Leopards.
Salford will play Midlands Hurricanes after they defeated amateur powerhouses Siddal and for a second year running, Halifax Panthers will host Catalans Dragons. Hull KR are the only club who don't know their opponents year. Keighley Cougars and York will play next week after the Knights were given special permission to push back their game due to a pre-arranged fixture with the Robins in Amsterdam.
Challenge Cup Third Round Draw (games to be played weekend of February 7-9)
Goole Vikings v Wakefield Trinity
York Acorn v Hull FC
Bradford Bulls v Castleford Tigers
Hunslet RLFC v Huddersfield Giants
Wests Warriors v Leeds Rhinos
Halifax Panthers v Catalans Dragons
West Hull v St Helens
Workington Town v Leigh Leopards
Midlands Hurricanes v Salford Red Devils
Whitehaven v Warrington Wolves
Keighley Cougars or York Knights v Hull KR
Sheffield Eagles v Wigan Warriors
Oldham RLFC v Barrow Raiders
Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams
North Wales Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
Featherstone Rovers v Ince Rose Bridge
