THE Challenge Cup third-round draw has been made, and Warrington Wolves' potential opponents have been narrowed down to two.

The Wire and their 11 Super League rivals are entering the knockout competition earlier than usual this year under a new format, which sees top-flight sides given an away tie against a lower-ranked opponent.

The tie on the weekend of February 8-9 will be Warrington's first competitive fixture of the 2025 season, with their Super League campaign kicking off at Huddersfield Giants on Sunday, February 16.

And now, they know they will face League One opposition having been paired with either Whitehaven or Swinton Lions, who meet in the second round over the weekend of February 25-26.

Warrington visited Swinton, who are now coached by former Wire forward Paul Wood, in the 2021 competition in a game played behind closed doors during the Covid pandemic, winning 32-8 in the third round.

Matty Ashton touches down during the Challenge Cup win over his former club Swinton Lions back in 2021 (Image: Mike Boden) They also beat the Lions 112-0 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium during the 2011 competition - a victory that remains a club record to this day.

The Wire have not faced Whitehaven since winning 46-2 at The Halliwell Jones Stadium in the 2006 fifth round, while they won 42-10 in Cumbria in the 2004 quarter-finals.

Ben Westwood touches down for a try during Warrington's last Challenge Cup trip to Whitehaven back in 2004 (Image: Mike Boden) The majority of first-round ties - including Crosfields' clash with Cumbrian side Maryport at Hood Lane - were postponed at the weekend due to the nationwide cold snap and will now be played this coming weekend.

The winners of that tie will visit Championship side Barrow Raiders in the second round, and the third-round draw has paired the second-round winners with either Oldham, Rochdale Mayfield or Telford Raiders.

Three Super League clubs including St Helens are guaranteed to face amateur opposition, with Saints to face one of Stanley Rangers, Hunslet ARLFC, West Hull or Edinburgh Eagles.

Leeds Rhinos will travel to either London-based Wests Warriors, the Army or the RAF while Hull FC have a trip to either GB Police, York Acorn, London Chargers or Oulton Raiders.

2025 Challenge Cup third-round draw in full

London Broncos/Goole Vikings vs Wakefield Trinity

GB Police/York Acorn/London Chargers/Oulton Raiders vs Hull FC

Bradford Bulls/Doncaster vs Castleford Tigers

Lock Lane/Doncaster Toll Bar/Hunslet RLFC vs Huddersfield Giants

Wests Warriors/Army/RAF vs Leeds Rhinos

Halifax Panthers/Thatto Heath Crusaders/Orrell St James vs Catalans Dragons

Stanley Rangers/Hunslet ARLFC/West Hull/Edinburgh Eagles vs St Helens

Mirfield/Royal Navy/Workington Town vs Leigh Leopards

Midlands Hurricanes/Siddal vs Salford Red Devils

Whitehaven/Swinton Lions vs Warrington Wolves

Keighley Cougars/York Knights vs Hull KR

Sheffield Eagles/West Bowling/Cutsyke Raiders vs Wigan Warriors

Oldham/Rochdale Mayfield/Telford Raiders vs Barrow Raiders/Crosfields/Maryport

Newcastle Thunder/Batley Bulldogs vs Dewsbury Rams/Haresfinch/Dewsbury Moor Maroons

Cornwall/North Wales Crusaders vs Rochdale Hornets/Widnes Vikings

Waterhead Warriors/Leigh Miners Rangers/Featherstone Lions vs Blackbrook/Longhorns/Ince Rose Bridge

Warrington Wolves paired with holders again in Women's Challenge Cup

The draw for the Women's Challenge Cup group stages has also been made, with Warrington Wolves placed in Group A alongside cup holders St Helens and Cardiff Demons.

The Wire and Saints have now been paired together in the group stages in the past three years.

Women's Challenge Cup group stage draw

Group A: St Helens, Warrington Wolves, Cardiff Demons

Group B: York Valkyrie, Featherstone Rovers, Huddersfield Giants

Group C: Leeds Rhinos, Leigh Leopards, Sheffield Eagles

Group D: Wigan Warriors, London Broncos, Barrow Raiders