Challenge Cup Round Six Draw: Leeds Rhinos set for massive cup tie

The Challenge Cup has already delivered plenty of drama in the opening five rounds, but it now goes up a gear with the introduction of the 12 Super League teams.

In the opening five rounds, we have seen the Championship, League One and NCL and SCL sides take to the stage, and they haven’t disappointed.

Amateur side York Acorn RLC have been the story of the competition so far, knocking out League One side Cornwall on their fairy-tale run to the fifth round, however, they came up short against Halifax. Yesterday also saw the latest cup upset, as Featherstone Rovers dumped local rivals Wakefield Trinity out in Golden Point.

Halifax and Featherstone are joined by fellow Championship sides Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs in the next round, but the road to Wembley is now a lot harder for them as all 12 Super League sides join them in the hunt for Wembley and the Challenge Cup trophy.

The Challenge Cup draw was held tonight on BBC and served up some interesting ties.

Challenge Cup Round Six Draw

The Challenge Cup Round Six draw is in and sees the Super League clubs enter the mix and set up some absolutely massive ties.

The headline tie is undoubtedly the meeting between Leeds Rhinos and St Helens. The two last met in the Challenge Cup at the same stage in 2021 in a classic cup tie.

They have met at the semi-final stages in 2015, 2010, 2008, 2003, 2002 and 2001 this century but have not met in a final since 1978 when Leeds defeated Saints 14-12.

They have met in five Grand Finals and have a real history. They collide this week in Super League as well.

The other all Super League ties see Hull KR host Salford Red Devils, Warrington Wolves take on London Broncos and Huddersfield Giants take on Hull FC.

As for the Championship clubs, Sheffield Eagles will travel to Wigan Warriors in a repeat of the 1998 final, Batley Bulldogs host Castleford Tigers, Featherstone Rovers meet old rivals Leigh Leopards away from home whilst Halifax Panthers take on Catalans Dragons.

Challenge Cup Round Six Fixtures:

Hull KR vs Salford Red Devils
Wigan Warriors vs Sheffield Eagles
Batley Bulldogs vs Castleford Tigers
Leigh Leopards vs Featherstone Rovers
Leeds Rhinos vs St Helens
Warrington Wolves vs London Broncos
Huddersfield Giants vs Hull FC
Halifax Panthers vs Catalans Dragons

Potential problem has to be addressed

However, their could be a massive problem with rumours that BBC won’t be showing the fixtures om Network TV with the only options on iPlayer and the Sportsman YouTube channel.

This stems back from the announcement that the BBC would be getting involved in the coverage of Super League in 2024 and rumours started that Round Six of the Challenge Cup would not be included in their TV coverage.

Now RugbyleagueonTV.com are reporting that this will be the case and other sources have also reported this as well.

Serious About Rugby League contacted the RFL for clarification and were told that all details would be confirmed tomorrow but with a big tie like Leeds Rhinos and St Helens on the cards this came simply has to be covered.