How tonight's Challenge Cup draw will work as Warrington Wolves enter
WARRINGTON Wolves will discover their Challenge Cup third-round fate this evening in a draw that promises to be somewhat complicated.
Indeed, there are still more than 50 potential opponents for The Wire for what will be their first competitive match of the season over the weekend of February 8-9.
First-round ties were scheduled to be played last weekend, but the schedule was severely impacted by the cold weather that gripped much of the country and as a result, 14 of the 17 ties – including Crosfields’ clash with Maryport at Hood Lane – were postponed.
That game will now take place this coming weekend – as will the other postponed ties – with a second-round trip to Championship side Barrow Raiders over the weekend of January 25-26 on offer for the winner.
However, it now means there are 53 potential opponents that Warrington or the 11 other Super League teams can be drawn against this evening, with the draw taking place at the Birchwood headquarters of competition sponsors Betfred live on BBC iPlayer and Red Button from 6.30pm.
The Super League sides will be drawn against a lower-ranked side and will be away from home as part of a revamp of the competition coming into effect for 2025.
The 20 second-round ties have each been given a number in the order they were drawn in before Christmas – for example, the winners of BBC Sport’s selected second-round tie between London Broncos and Goole Vikings will be number 6.
The draw will begin with one ball being drawn to face each of the 12 Betfred Super League clubs, who will be seeded and the order of which will replicate the 2024 standings in reverse.
Having won promotion from the Championship, Wakefield Trinity will be the first seed and their tie will be drawn first, with League Leaders' Shield winners Wigan Warriors the 12th and final tie involving a top-flight side to be drawn out.
Having finished third in Super League last season, Warrington's tie will be the 10th drawn on the night.
Potential opponents for Warrington Wolves in Challenge Cup third round
GB Police, York Acorn, London Chargers, Oulton Raiders, Halifax Panthers, Thatto Heath, Orrell St James, Dewsbury Moor, Haresfinch, Dewsbury Rams, Barrow Raiders, Crosfields, Maryport, Mirfield, Royal Navy, Workington Town, London Broncos, Goole Vikings, Lock Lane, Doncaster Toll Bar, Hunslet RLFC, Waterhead Warriors, Leigh Miners, Featherstone Rovers, Wests Warriors, British Army, RAF, Whitehaven, Swinton Lions, Stanley Rangers, Hunslet ARLFC, West Hull, Edinburgh Eagles, Rochdale Hornets, Widnes Vikings, Oldham, Rochdale Mayfield, Telford Raiders, Keighley Cougars, York Knights, Sheffield Eagles, West Bowling, Cutsyke Raiders, Bradford Bulls, Doncaster, Blackbrook, Longhorns, Ince Rose Bridge, Midlands Hurricanes, Siddal, Cornwall, North Wales Crusaders, Newcastle Thunder, Batley Bulldogs
Women's Challenge Cup draw details
The Women’s Challenge Cup group-stage draw will also be held at the same time, with Warrington Wolves one of the eight “Pool One” teams to be drawn into four groups of two.
Each group will then have one of the four top-seeded “Pool Two” teams – St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors – added to it to complete the line-up.
READ MORE > Warrington Wolves confirm new captain and vice-captain for women's team
Women’s Challenge Cup group-stage draw
Pool One teams: Barrow Raiders, Cardiff Demons, Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants, Leigh Leopards, London Broncos, Sheffield Eagles, Warrington Wolves
Pool Two teams: Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Wigan Warriors, York Valkyrie
