The Challenge Cup is heating up, and the stakes are higher than ever! But here's where it gets really exciting: the Third Round fixtures are officially set, and Super League giants like Leeds Rhinos and Wigan Warriors now know who stands between them and rugby glory. After a thrilling weekend of matches, the draw has been made, leaving no room for speculation—all 13 top-tier clubs are now in the know about their upcoming opponents.
And this is the part most people miss: while some teams, such as Hull KR, Warrington Wolves, and Hull FC, had already secured their spots following Saturday’s second-round clashes, the full lineup is now complete. The Third Round kicks off on the weekend of February 6-8, with every team except Toulouse Olympique entering the fray. But here’s the twist: the first confirmed tie features reigning champions Hull KR, who will face amateur side Lock Lane. Why? Because Featherstone Rovers’ absence from the competition handed Lock Lane a default win and a golden ticket to the final 32.
Saturday’s matches saw six Championship sides emerge victorious, including Salford RLFC, who dominated Hammersmith Hills Hoists with a 42-10 win in the late game. Sheffield Eagles also shone under the BBC Sport spotlight, defeating Whitehaven, while Barrow Raiders and Hunslet secured their spots in the next round. Keighley Cougars and Swinton Lions joined the winners’ circle, overcoming amateur sides Heworth and Ince Rose Bridge, respectively.
Sunday brought another 12 ties, with teams like London Broncos, Oldham, and Halifax Panthers taking center stage. But here’s where it gets controversial: there’s still one match left to play—Midlands Hurricanes vs. Aberavon Fighting Irish—though Keighley’s earlier win already determined their next opponent. Does this early knowledge give them an unfair advantage? Let us know what you think in the comments!
For a deeper dive into the action, check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
Here’s the full breakdown of the Challenge Cup Second Round results and Third Round fixtures:
- Lock Lane vs. Hull KR (following Featherstone Rovers’ administration)
- Keighley Cougars (62-0 vs. Heworth) vs. Midlands/Aberavon winner
- Swinton Lions (44-26 vs. Ince Rose Bridge) vs. Wakefield Trinity
- Barrow Raiders (76-4 vs. Wigan St Judes) vs. York Knights
- Sheffield Eagles (18-6 vs. Whitehaven) vs. Warrington Wolves
- Hunslet (44-0 vs. Stanningley) vs. Huddersfield Giants
- Salford RLFC (42-10 vs. Hammersmith Hills Hoists) vs. Hull FC
- Widnes Vikings (76-0 vs. Thatto Heath Crusaders) vs. Leeds Rhinos
- Rochdale Hornets (60-6 vs. Waterhead Warriors) vs. Wigan Warriors
- Workington Town (28-6 vs. Blackbrook) vs. St Helens
- Batley Bulldogs (32-10 vs. Hunslet ARLFC) vs. Catalans Dragons
- London Broncos (86-0 vs. Wests Warriors) vs. Bradford Bulls
- Dewsbury Rams (32-10 vs. West Hull) vs. Oldham
- North Wales Crusaders (110-0 vs. Bedford Tigers) vs. Leigh Leopards
- Oldham (58-0 vs. Orrell St James) vs. Dewsbury
- Goole Vikings (58-4 vs. Mirfield Spartans) vs. Halifax Panthers
- Halifax Panthers (88-0 vs. London Chargers) vs. Goole Vikings
- Doncaster (24-22 vs. Newcastle Thunder) vs. Castleford Tigers
Now, here’s the burning question: With amateur sides like Lock Lane and Heworth facing off against Super League powerhouses, is this the year we see a massive upset? Or will the top teams assert their dominance? Share your predictions and join the debate below!
