The draws for Round One and Two of the Challenge Cup have been made with some eye-catching match ups made and we’ve picked out the very best.
Rounds One, Two and Three will be played before the league seasons get underway with Super League sides joining Round Three, a week prior to their comp kicking off.
The draws for both Rounds One and Two were made last night with Wakefield Trinity star Max Jowitt involved in both, whilst ex-Hull FC man and new Goole Vikings coach Scott Taylor drew Round One. He was then replaced by Mikey Lewis for Round Two given that League One new boys Goole were in the pot for the second round.
Lewis’ old amateur side West Hull were the first ball drawn and they’ve been handed a pathway to Round Three that would see them avoid any Championship or League One sides.
In fact, at least four teams who don’t play in either the Championship or League One will make the Round Three draw where they could possibly face Super League opposition.
The Round One draw consisted of the 12 National Conference League Premier Division teams and a further 22 amateur sides, whilst Round Two incorporated both the Championship and League One teams. We’ve picked three Round One and four Round Two ties that we think will be must-watch.
Seven eye-catching 2025 Challenge Cup ties
Round One – Fixtures to be played on the weekend of January 11th and 12th
West Hull vs Edinburgh Eagles
The first game made last night with West Hull plucked out by Max Jowitt and they’ll host Scottish representatives Edinburgh Eagles. West Hull have produced some stellar players during their time, not least current Man of Steel Mikey Lewis, and they’re one of the sport’s established sides and a clash with Edinburgh could be a tasty tie.
Longhorns vs Ince Rose Bridge
There’s a similar theme with this tie to the first in the list. Longhorns are the only Irish representative in the competition and they’ve snagged a home tie against Ince Rose Bridge. The Manchester-based side will have either a short flight or ferry ride over to contest this one.
British Army vs RAF
A rivalry that goes back a long long way. There were jeers in the room when Scott Taylor pulled out the RAF to go up against their military counterparts the British Army. This will be sure to be a classic.
Round Two – Fixtures to be played on the weekend of January 25th and 26th
👇 Round 2 of the 2025 @Betfred #ChallengeCup! pic.twitter.com/jbULLjtERo
— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) December 2, 2024
London Broncos vs Goole Vikings
The League One new boys probably could not have asked for a bigger tie as they take on the recently relegated London Broncos. A trip to London awaits Scott Taylor’s side and given London’s documented squad issues and the fact Goole have been recruiting plenty of former Super League youngsters, this could be a close one.
GB Police or York Acorn vs London Chargers or Oulton Raiders
Whilst the Round Two game itself between whoever progresses might not be too intriguing, this match-up guarantees a lower league or amateur side in the hat to possibly face a Super League side. York Acorn would be favourites as they are a National Conference Premier side and they made it all the way to Round Five in 2024.
Dewsbury Moor or Haresfinch vs Dewsbury Rams
Dewsbury Moor have just been promoted to the National Conference Premier but more exciting for them in 2025 would be the prospect of hosting League One side Dewsbury Rams in an all-Dewsbury affair.
Stanley Rangers or Hunslet ARLFC vs West Hull or Edinburgh
Max Jowitt’s old side potentially going up against Mikey Lewis’ old side here, unless Hunslet or Edinburgh have anything to say about it, which they likely will do. This is another tie guaranteed to produce a team from outside the Championship or League One. Could Super League be heading to Edinburgh or could we even see a West Hull and Hull FC matchup? These possibilities are why we love the Challenge Cup.
