One of the Championship clubs in Challenge Cup action this weekend have made an incredible gesture to their opponents, after expressing disappointment at a recent RFL decision.
The second round of the sport’s oldest competition begins this weekend with 18 ties that feature the 20 Championship clubs and 16 community clubs from across the UK.
Championship clubs were seeded for the draw in a bid to land community clubs a lucrative home tie against a bigger club, with the initial plan being that community clubs would take home 100% of their gate receipts, if playing at home.
That decision was then reversed by the RFL, however, one Championship club have upheld the original bargain with Hunslet RLFC confirming that they will take no gate money from their Challenge Cup tie against community club Stanningley.
Hunslet, who run on a fan-owned model, have released a statement alongside their decision, expressing disappointment at the RFL whilst also championing the sport at community level in explaining their decision.
Challenge Cup boost for community club after Hunslet’s generous offer
Hunslet confirmed their decision via club statement, declaring: “We are proud to announce that we are waiving our right to any income from our game against Stanningley on Saturday.”
Explaining that decision, CEO Neil Hampshire said: “We were disappointed to see the announcement from the RFL changing their original decision, which was only shared last week.
“It’s vitally important that the professional game supports community clubs wherever possible as they are the key pathway for players coming into the sport. Quite simply, we would not have Rugby League without them.
“To that end, we at Hunslet are proud to announce that we are waiving our right to any income from our game against Stanningley on Saturday. In addition, all of our Club Directors will be paying to attend rather than taking free hospitality. Let’s hope there is a sell-out crowd for the game and Stanningley also does great business in their clubhouse.”
It’s a financial boost for Stanningley that is massive and acting-chairman Dean Parker noted that when showing his appreciation.
“We are massively thankful for Hunslet’s assistance and support in the build up to the game – as well as during and after it. It [waiving the split gate] is a great gesture.”
The two sides face off at the Arthur Miller Stadium, which is limited to a capacity of 1,100, on Saturday with kick-off at 2:30 pm.
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💷 | Hunslet RLFC are proud to announce that we are waiving our right to any income from our @Betfred @TheChallengeCup round two clash against @StanningleyRLC on Saturday.
More from CEO Neil Hampshire below 👇#swsahttps://t.co/NdyGpVHt29
— Hunslet RLFC (@HunsletRLFC) January 22, 2026
