Former Wigan Warriors star links up with surprise new club

Former Wigan Warriors star and Grand Final winner Ben Flower has linked up with the South Wales Jets as they prepare for their historic debut in the Challenge Cup.

He, alongside fellow Welshman and former Widnes Vikings Super League star Lloyd White, have both been drafted in by the club to help them prepare their first effort at a Challenge Cup run in 2024.

Flower knows all about making it all the way to the final and the duo know what it means to play for a Welsh club trying to make history playing for the Crusaders earlier in their careers.

The South Wales Jets confirmed this news with the following statement:

“As we look ahead to our first time in the Challenge Cup we wanted to make sure the lads are as well prepared as possible.

“Jets RL want to say a huge thank you to Ben Flower and Lloyd White, who are Welsh internationals, for coming on board to prepare the squad.”

The Jets begin their Challenge Cup run against Leeds based side Stanningley who have produced the likes of Jamie Peacock and Jamie Jones-Buchanan. Meanwhile, if they defeat Stanningley they will then face Leigh Miners in Round Two.

Here are the draws in full:

Round One draw

Fryston Warriors v British Army

Lowca v Edinburgh Eagles

South Wales Jets v Stanningley

Royal Air Force v Royal Navy

Doncaster Toll Bar v Ashton Bears

Orrell St James v Haresfinch

Clock Face Miners v Heworth

Oulton Raiders v West Bowling

Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Medway Dragons

Wests Warriors v Newsome Panthers

Round Two draw

Orrell St James OR Haresfinch v York Acorn

Royal Air Force OR Royal Navy v Thatto Heath Crusaders

Leigh Miners Rangers v South Wales Jets OR Stanningley

Fryston Warriors OR British Army v Hunslet ARLFC

Doncaster Toll Bar OR Ashton Bears v West Hull

Clock Face Miners OR Heworth v Siddal

Wests Warriors OR Newsome Panthers v Rochdale Mayfield

Hammersmith Hills Hoists OR Medway Dragons v Oulton Raiders OR West Bowling

Lock Lane v Lowca OR Edinburgh Eagles

Hull Dockers v Wath Brow Hornets

It has been confirmed that BBC Sport will pick one tie from each round to be streamed live on BBC iPlayer as well as the BBC Sport website and app.

The winners of  the Round Two ties will be joined in Round Three by 22 semi-professional clubs from the Championship and League 1. Round Three will take place from February 10-11.