Betfred Super League sides will enter the Challenge Cup at the third round, and here is everything you need to know regarding how the draw and how this stage of the competition will work.
Keeping in line with last year’s format, round one consisted solely of amateur and community clubs from across the UK, though a number of ties are still to be played due to the weather forcing postponements.
The winners of the opening round will meet teams from the Championship, with the draw for that stage already being completed.
Last year’s winners, Hull KR, will enter in the third round, with them and the 12 other Super League clubs, Toulouse have opted not to participate. After that, the regular knockout format continues until we get to the final, where Wembley once again host the historic event, as part of a double header with the Women’s final.
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How will the draw work?
The 13 Super League sides will be drawn first, with those clubs guaranteed an away tie to one of the winners in round two.
After that, there will be six teams left in the hat, meaning those teams will be picked out to face each other.
When is the draw?
The draw will take place on Monday 12 January at the Betfred Championship season launch in Wakefield. At present, there are no plans to stream or broadcast the draw live. The draw will be conducted by presenter Ross Fiddes and two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach John Kear.
When will the third round take place?
Ties for the third round will take place on the weekend of February 6-8, one week before the Super League season begins.
Which teams are in the draw?
Every Super League team, bar Toulouse, will be involved in the draw, alongside winners of the 18 second round ties. The 32nd team will be whoever wins the rearranged fixture between Brighouse Rangers and Lock Lane. The removal of Featherstone Rovers means that the winner will receive a bye to the third round.
What are the ball numbers?
1. Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC
2. Blackbrook v Workington Town
3. Brighouse Rangers/Lock Lane
4. Dewsbury Rams v Kings Cross Park/West Hull
5. Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
6. Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders/London Chargers
7. Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford Red Devils
8. Heworth/RAF v Keighley Cougars
9. London Broncos v Wests Warriors
10. Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish
11. North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers
12. Oldham v Orrell St James
13. Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
14. Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
15. Siddal/Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
16. Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet
17. Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
18. Wigan St Jude/Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
19. Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
20. Bradford Bulls
21. Castleford Tigers
22. Catalans Dragons
23. Huddersfield Giants
24. Hull FC
25. Hull KR
26. Leeds Rhinos
27. Leigh Leopards
28. St Helens
29. Wakefield Trinity
30. Warrington Wolves
31. Wigan Warriors
32. York RLFC
