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Why there will be TWO Warrington teams in next year's Challenge Cup

matt turner
·2-min read
Why there will be TWO Warrington teams in next year's Challenge Cup <i>(Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)</i>
Why there will be TWO Warrington teams in next year's Challenge Cup (Image: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

THE town’s representation in next year’s Challenge Cup will not start and end with Warrington Wolves.

It has been confirmed that Crosfields are among the 34 community clubs to have been invited to participate in the first round of rugby league’s prestigious knockout competition, with ties to be played over the weekend of January 11-12.

And due to the new format being introduced next year, the Soap would be just two victories away from a potential meeting with their more illustrious neighbours.

Crosfields last participated in the Challenge Cup back in 2023, when they were beaten in the first round by Wakefield-based outfit Westgate Common.

They were also beaten by Wigan St Judes at the first stage in 2019, and that came a year after their tie against Rochdale Mayfield was streamed live on the BBC Sport website and featured current Wire star Matty Ashton scoring a try for Mayfield.

The draw for the first and second rounds will be held on Monday, December 2, at the home ground of newly-accepted League One side Goole Vikings.

The 12 English-based Championship clubs and the 11 League One sides will enter the competition in the second round – ties to be played January 25-26 – before The Wire and their 11 Super League rivals join in the third round over the weekend of February 8-9.

The Challenge Cup tie will be Warrington’s first competitive match of the year and all Super League clubs will be drawn away from home.

Betfred Challenge Cup 2025 first-round entrants

Armed Forces (3) - British Army, RAF, Royal Navy

Cumberland Amateur Rugby League (1) – Maryport

GB Police (1)

Ireland Rugby League (1) - Longhorns

Midlands Rugby League (1) – Telford Raiders (Harry Jepson Trophy winners)

National Conference League (15) – Crosfields, Dewsbury Moor, Hunslet ARLFC, Ince Rose Bridge, Leigh Miners Rangers, Lock Lane, Oulton Raiders, Rochdale Mayfield, Siddal, Thatto Heath (also BARLA National Cup winners), Waterhead Warriors, Wath Brow Hornets, West Bowling, West Hull, York Acorn

North West Men’s League (3) – Blackbrook, Haresfinch, Orrell St James (as BARLA National Cup runners-up)

Pennine League (1) – Mirfield

Scotland Rugby League (1) – Edinburgh Eagles

Southern Conference League (4) – Eastern Rhinos, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, London Chargers, Wests Warriors

Wales Rugby League (1) – Aberavon Fighting Irish

Yorkshire Men’s League (2) – Doncaster Toll Bar, Stanley Rangers