Leeds Rhinos news: new Challenge Cup opponents for women's & wheelchair sides
Leeds Rhinos will face unfamiliar opponents in the women’s and wheelchair Challenge Cups this year.
Rhinos’ women have been paired with fellow Betfred Women’s Super League side Leigh Leopards and Championship team London Broncos - who they have never played - in the group stage, which begins in April. Leeds, who won the Cup in 2018 and 2019, were one of the seeded teams, along with Wigan Warriors, St Helens and York Valkyrie.
Featherstone Rovers face treble-winners Wigan Warriors and Championship side Cardiff Demons. Catalans Dragons have entered the competition for the first time and will play their games in England, against St Helens and Huddersfield Giants.
The 11 teams have been drawn into three groups of three and one of two. The top two teams in each will go through to the quarter-finals, with group winners having home advantage.
Leeds will play York Knights for the first time in the opening round of the wheelchair Challenge Cup. All eight Super League sides were seeded to be drawn against a team from the second-tier Championship.
York made their Championship debut two years ago and Rhinos have played occasional home games at their St John’s University base.
Castleford Tigers will have a point to prove in a home tie against Bradford Bulls. Tigers won the Championship title last year, but Bulls were chosen for promotion to Super League. Wakefield Trinity visit London Roosters and Batley Bulldogs were drawn away to holders and Super League champions Halifax Panthers.
Betfred Women’s Challenge Cup group stage: Group A - St Helens, Catalans Dragons, Huddersfield Giants; Group B - Leeds Rhinos, London Broncos, Leigh Leopards; Group C - Wigan Warriors, Cardiff Demons, Featherstone Rovers; Group D - York Valkyrie, Barrow Raiders. Matches to be played on April 4-5, April 11-12 and April 18-19.
Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup first round: Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs; Hull FC v Gravesend; London Roosters v Wakefield Trinity; Sheffield Eagles v Midlands Hurricanes ; North Wales Crusaders v Wigan Warriors; Rochdale Hornets v Edinburgh Giants; York Knights v Leeds Rhinos; Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls. Dates to be confirmed.