The Challenge Cup is back this weekend, and while not every game is on your screen, we've got the breakdown of where to catch the action!
Get ready, rugby league fans, because the second round of the Challenge Cup is about to kick off, bringing with it a weekend packed with thrilling matches. While the excitement is high, it's important to note that three of the 18 ties will be the ones gracing our screens in some capacity. This includes a fascinating all-Championship clash that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Now, you might be wondering about the pre-season friendlies featuring eight Super League sides. While these games are happening, they won't be broadcast, so all our viewing attention is firmly fixed on the Challenge Cup.
But here's where it gets interesting... We'll be able to watch one game on Saturday out of the six scheduled, and then two of the twelve remaining fixtures on Sunday. It’s worth mentioning a slight change to the schedule: the 19th tie, Lock Lane versus Featherstone Rovers, has been cancelled. This means the community club, Lock Lane, has been granted a bye straight through to the third round, a consequence of Featherstone Rovers' administration.
Looking ahead, Hull KR, the current Challenge Cup holders, are set to face Lock Lane in the third round. They've confirmed they will indeed be hosting this exciting match.
Saturday's televised showdown is an all-Championship affair between Sheffield Eagles and Whitehaven. This clash, set to be aired on BBC iPlayer, promises a fierce contest. The victor of this encounter will earn the right to face the formidable Warrington Wolves, the runners-up in both the 2024 and 2025 Challenge Cup competitions.
And this is the part most people miss... Sunday brings us two more televised games. Kicking off at 1:30 pm, Widnes Vikings will be streaming their away game against Thatto Heath Crusaders on YouTube. The team that emerges victorious from this will go on to play the mighty Leeds Rhinos.
Also starting at 1:30 pm, Waterhead Warriors will host Rochdale Hornets. This match offers a fantastic opportunity for the winner to potentially face the powerhouse Wigan Warriors. You can catch this game live on the Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the Challenge Cup round two fixtures and how you can watch them:
Saturday 24th January:
- Heworth v Keighley Cougars – Elmpark Way – KO: 1:30 pm
- Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions – Pinfold Street – KO: 2:00 pm
- Wigan St Judes v Barrow Raiders – Parsons Meadow – KO: 2:00 pm
- Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven – Steel City Stadium – KO: 2:30 pm – Live on BBC iPlayer
- Stanningley v Hunslet – Arthur Miller Stadium – KO: 2:30 pm
- Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford RLFC – Chiswick RUFC – KO: 6:00 pm
Sunday 25th January:
- Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings – Crusader Park – KO: 1:00 pm – Widnes’ YouTube
- Waterhead Warriors v Rochdale Hornets – Oldham RUFC – KO: 1:30 pm – Sportsman YouTube channel
- Blackbrook v Workington Town – Boardmans Lane – KO: 2:00 pm
- Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC – Fox’s Biscuits Stadium – KO 2:00 pm
- London Broncos v Wests Warriors – Richmond Athletic Ground – KO: 2:00 pm
- Dewsbury Rams v West Hull – FLAIR Stadium – KO: 2:00 pm
- North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers – Stadiwm Eirias – KO: 2:30 pm
- Oldham v Orrell St James – Bower Field, (Stalybridge Celtic) – KO 3:00 pm
- Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings – Victoria Pleasure Grounds, Goole – KO: 3:00 pm
- Halifax Panthers v London Chargers – The Shay – KO: 3:00 pm
- Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder – Eco-Power Stadium – KO: 3:00 pm
- Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish – Avery Fields – KO: 5:00 pm
What do you think about the limited broadcast options for the Challenge Cup? Is it enough to satisfy fans, or do you believe more games should be televised? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
