The Challenge Cup kicks off this weekend as 34 teams battle it out for a spot in the second round of the competition.
A chunk of those sides gearing up for the first round of the competition will be community teams competing in the National Conference League. However, they are joined by three armed services sides, a Police outfit and representatives from Wales, Ireland, the Southern Conference League, London league and Midlands league.
The teams will be competing for the opportunity to take on a professional outfit in the second round of the competition, with the 21 Championship teams entering the competition at that stage.
Super League teams won’t enter the competition until the third round, with the draw being seeded to ensure the top flight clubs hit the road to a club lower down the league ladder. That round will be played during the first weekend of February, a week before Super League is due to get underway.
Those eager for a rugby league fix after a long winter will be keeping tabs on this weekend’s action, though and three games available to watch. Rochdale Mayfield’s clash with Ince Rose Bridge will be on the BBC, while Siddal take on Waterhead Warriors on The Sportsman and British Army’s game against Wests Warriors will be shown on the British Forces Broadcasting Service.
With the first round of the competition in mind, we thought we’d take a look at the latest odds for the Challenge Cup, with Wigan Warriors being the favourites to get their hands on the trophy for what would be a 22nd time. The Warriors are at 11/4 to win the cup with Betfred and that’s marginally ahead of the current holders Hull KR, who beat Warrington Wolves at Wembley last year.
The treble winners are at 3/1 to retain the cup, with Leeds Rhinos, St Helens, Leigh Leopards, Warrington Wolves and Hull FC all available at 12/1 or under.
The full odds list from Betfred can be found below.
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2026 Challenge Cup outright odds
Wigan Warriors – 11/4
Hull KR – 3/1
Leeds Rhinos – 6/1
St Helens – 7/1
Leigh Leopards – 10/1
Warrington Wolves – 11/1
Hull FC – 12/1
Catalans Dragons – 16/1
Wakefield Trinity – 18/1
Huddersfield Giants – 22/1
Castleford Tigers – 33/1
York Knights – 50/1
London Broncos – 66/1
Bradford Bulls – 66/1
Oldham – 150/1
Featherstone Rovers – 200/1
Halifax Panthers – 200/1
Widnes Vikings – 200/1
Salford RLFC – 200/1
Newcastle Thunder – 250/1
Barrow Raiders – 250/1
Batley Bulldogs – 250/1
Doncaster – 250/1
Sheffield Eagles – 250/1
North Wales Crusaders – 250/1
Workington Town – 300/1
Dewsbury Rams – 300/1
Whitehaven – 300/1
Swinton Lions – 300/1
Rochdale Hornets – 300/1
Midlands Hurricanes – 400/1
Hunslet – 500/1
Keighley Cougars – 500/1
Goole Vikings – 500/1
