Challenge Cup round 3 draw: here's who Leeds Rhinos, Castleford Tigers & Wakefield Trinity will play
Leeds Rhinos are set for a trip to Widnes Vikings in their opening competitive game of 2026.
Rhinos were handed a potential tie with the Championship side when the third round draw for the Betfred Challenge Cup was made at Wakefield Trinity’s DIY Kitchens Stadium, Belle Vue, today. Widnes must first beat St Helens-based amateurs Thatto Heath Crusaders in the second round later this month.
The third round will be played on the weekend of February 7/9, a week before Super League kicks off. Trinity will travel to either Rochdale Mayfield, Ince Rose Bridge or Swinton Lions and Castleford Tigers visit either Doncaster or Newcastle Thunder.
The first round tie between Mayfield and Rose Bridge will be played this weekend after being frozen off last Saturday. Hunslet RLFC are facing a home Cup meeting with Huddersfield Giants for the second successive year, if they beat the winners of the delayed first round clash between Leeds side Stranningley and fellow National Conference amateurs Dewsbury Moor.
Hunslet ARLFC, who beat York Acorn last Saturday, visit Batley Bulldogs in round two and the winners will be at home to Catalans Dragons.
For the second successive year, Super League clubs were seeded to be drawn away to lower league or community opposition. The full third round draw is: Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge or Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity; Thatto Heath Crusaders or Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos; Wigan St Judes/Leigh Miners or Barrow Raiders v York Knights; Batley Bulldogs or Hunslet ARLFC v Catalans Dragons; North Wales Crusaders or Bedford Tigers v Leigh Leopards; Castleford Lock Lane or Brighouse v Hull KR; Blackbrook or Workington Town v St Helens; Siddal/Waterhead or Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors; London Broncos or Wests Warriors v Bradford Bulls; Sheffield Eagles or Whitehaven v Warrington Wolves; Hammersmith Hills Hoists or Salford RLFC v Hull FC; Stanningley/ Dewsbury Moor or Hunslet RLFC v Huddersfield Giants; Doncaster or Newcastle Thunder v Castleford Tigers; Halifax Panthers or Telford Raiders/London Chargers v Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield or Goole Vikings; Oldham or Orrell St James v Dewsbury Rams or King Cross Park/West Hull; Heworth/RAF or Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes/Aberavon Fighting Irish.