Coverage of Round One of the Challenge Cup has been locked in with a second game confirmed as well as news of some minor fixture changes.
Round One of the famous competition starts this weekend with 17 fixtures across the 11th and 12th of January, however, we almost saw that cut to 16th as Wath Brow Hornets pulled out of the competition.
The Cumbrian outfit cited player welfare as the reason with their withdrawal creating a major problem for opponents West Bowling. That has since been remedied with Castleford-based club Cutsyke Raiders receiving a late call-up, ensuring Round One goes ahead with 17 fixtures as planned.
That has meant a few fixture alterations in terms of kick-off times with a total of three games changed from the previously confirmed schedule, one of those on account of it being the second game to be broadcast.
It had already been confirmed that the BBC would provide coverage of Waterhead Warriors and Leigh Miners Rangers but The Sportsman have now confirmed that they will air 20 games live on their YouTube channel this season, starting with Round One of the Challenge Cup.
How to watch Round One of the Challenge Cup
📺 More @Betfred #ChallengeCup action on @TheSportsman this weekend! pic.twitter.com/DbfSU4Rgi1
— Betfred Challenge Cup (@TheChallengeCup) January 6, 2025
The outlet took to social media to confirm that they would be broadcasting 2o live matches once again in 2025 and their first pick comes on Saturday, 11th January.
They will air Thatto Heath Crusaders versus Orrel St James live on their YouTube channel with the fixture slated for a 2:30 pm kick-off.
That means that fans will be treated to an afternoon of rugby league and Challenge Cup action on Saturday given that the BBC-covered game starts at 12:30 pm on the same day.
The other fixture to see a change in kick-off time is the game between Rochdale Mayfield and Telford Raiders with that game brought forward to 1:30 pm.
Details of every game in the Challenge Cup First Round can be seen below.
Betfred Challenge Cup Round One
Saturday January 11
Waterhead Warriors v Leigh Miners Rangers – 1230pm – live on BBC Sport
West Hull v Edinburgh Eagles – 2pm
Dewsbury Moor v Haresfinch – 2pm
London Chargers v Oulton Raiders – 230pm @ Chiswick RFC
Longhorns v Ince Rose Bridge – 230pm @ Ince Rose Bridge
Lock Lane v Doncaster Toll Bar – 2pm
Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Siddal – 5pm @ Chiswick RFC
Mirfield v Royal Navy – 2pm
Crosfields v Maryport – 2pm
British Army v RAF – 2pm @ Aldershot
Stanley Rangers v Hunslet ARLFC – 2pm
Rochdale Mayfield v Telford Raiders – 130pm
Thatto Heath Crusaders v Orrell St James – 230pm, live on The Sportsman
West Bowling v Cutsyke Raiders – 2pm
Sunday January 12
GB Police v York Acorn – 130pm @ Portico Panthers
Aberavon Fighting Irish v Blackbrook – 130pm @ Aberavon Green Stars RFC
Eastern Rhinos v Wests Warriors – 230pm @ Colchester Sports Park
