WARRINGTON Wolves’ potential opponents for their first competitive match of 2025 will soon be revealed.

Following friendlies against Widnes Vikings (January 17) and Leigh Leopards (February 1), The Wire will start the new season with a Challenge Cup fixture as part of a new format for the knockout competition.

Sam Burgess’ side will enter in the third round alongside the other 11 Super League sides, all of whom will face away ties against lower-ranked outfits over the weekend of February 8-9 – the week before the top-flight season begins.

And it has now been confirmed that the third-round draw will take place this coming Tuesday – January 14 – at the Warrington headquarters of competition sponsors Betfred.

The draw will be shown live via BBC Sport on the iPlayer and Red Button, with coverage starting at 6.30pm.

It means those competing in the second round over the weekend of January 25-26 – the draw for which has already been completed ahead of first-round ties this weekend – will know exactly what they are playing for.

Warrington Wolves will bid to reach the Challenge Cup Final for the second year in a row having lost the 2024 trophy decider to Wigan Warriors at Wembley (Image: Neil Ashurst/P&B Pictures)

At the same time, the draw will also be made for the group stages of the Women's Challenge Cup.

Warrington Wolves will once again be involved as one of 12 "Pool One" teams to be drawn into four groups of three.

One of the four top-seeded teams - St Helens, Leeds Rhinos, York Valkyrie and Wigan Warriors - will then be added to each group.

The three rounds of group fixtures are scheduled to take place on the weekends of April 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20.

The winners and runners up of each group will then progress to the quarter finals on April 26-27 ahead of a semi-final double header with the men’s competition on May 10/11

Crosfields to end 15-year Challenge Cup wait

Warrington amateur side Crosfields are among the teams competing in the first round this weekend – as Hood Lane hosts Challenge Cup action for the first time in 15 years.

This will be the fourth time in the past eight years that Soap have played in the competition but Saturday’s clash with Cumbrian side Maryport will be their first home tie since hosting Rochdale Mayfield in January 2010.

Rob Campbell’s side will also be looking for their first victory in the competition since December 2003, when they beat Cottingham Phoenix to reach the third round where they were beaten by Workington Town in a tie played at Wilderspool Stadium.

An enticing trip to Championship side Barrow Raiders is on offer for the winner of Saturday’s game, which kicks off at 2pm at Hood Lane with entry costing £2.