Huge Challenge Cup fixture to go ahead despite fears of waterlogged pitch

Questions have been raised about whether or not the huge Challenge Cup tie between Halifax Panthers and Catalans Dragons could be postponed.

This is because Halifax Town were forced to postpone their match with Ebbsfleet United due to a waterlogged pitch as they made the following statement:

“FC Halifax Town’s home match with Ebbsfleet United has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

“We will announce a new date in due course.”

This has raised questions over whether the Challenge Cup tie at the same venue will go ahead.

Journalist Catalan Media raised this concern saying on X: “Better get the hairdryers out because Catalans Dragons have splashed 42,000 euros on a private jet to fly in for tomorrow’s Challenge Cup clash.”

In general you would argue that rugby league is a sport that can manage better on a waterlogged pitch when compared to football and with next to no other options for this fixture to be played it is almost a must that the game has to be played and it will be with the club confirming the match day entertainment and providing fans with the all the need to do for the fixture.

Furthermore the groundsman has confirmed the fixture will go ahead as well.

Challenge Cup quarter-final draw

Credit Imago Images

The RFL provided the following statement confirming when and what format the Challenge Cup quarter-final draw will take place:

“BBC Radio 5Live will host the draw for the quarter-finals of the Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup on Monday 25 March – and darts aces and Rugby League fans Joe Cullen and Michael Smith will be joining ‘The Monday Night Club’ between 8.45pm-9 to draw the four ties.

“The presence of St Helens supporter Smith, World Champion in 2023, and Wigan Warriors fan Cullen, a former Masters champion and Premier League finalist, ensures that Rugby League’s famous rivals will be represented at Monday night’s draw.”

Both men’s teams will be present in the quarter-finals and have to be the two favourites but could be joined by Catalans Dragons in that list.

Betfred Challenge Cup Round 6 fixtures and results

Batley Bulldogs 14 Castleford Tigers 28
Huddersfield Giants 50 Hull FC 6
Hull KR 40 Salford Red Devils 0
Leeds Rhinos 6 St Helens 20
Leigh Leopards 26 Featherstone Rovers 14
Wigan Warriors 44 Sheffield Eagles 18
Warrington Wolves 42 London Broncos 0