The Challenge Cup draw for the last 16 will be conducted later today, and we’ve assessed some dream ties that could come up in the road to Wembley.
Of course, derby games are always a highlight, should any be picked out of the hat. Hull KR and Hull FC faced each other in last year’s quarter finals, but with each main ‘rivalry’ being played a minimum of three times across the season, a fourth tie almost takes the novelty away from those huge games.
With that in mind, here are some other ties, that aren’t necessarily derbies, that could come up in this round of games, and if they are picked out, there would be some major storylines heading into the Cup weekend.
Know your Super League? Serious About Rugby League have a Fantasy Super League comp. Join it now and compete against our writers. PIN: 12433 Password: SARL2026
Four dream Challenge Cup fourth round ties:
Goole Vikings vs Hull FC:
As mentioned, the biggest tie for FC would be their cross-city rivals, but another fascinating tie that could come up, would be if they met Goole Vikings, who are one of only three Championship sides left in the competition.
Goole secured a shock win over Halifax Panthers to secure their place in the hat, and if they were to meet John Cartwright’s side, it would undoubtedly be a huge occasion.
The overarching storyline here would the fact that former Hull FC player, Scott Taylor, is now boss of the Vikings, and a number of former players, including Liam Watts and Jeylan Hodgson, are at the club.
It would also be the first meeting between the two sides in history, with Goole only forming a semi-professional side ahead of the 2025 season.
Leigh Leopards vs Warrington Wolves:
Adrian Lam spoke to this masthead last week, and recalled his Challenge Cup memories. He reflected on the club’s 2023 win over Hull KR, whilst also commenting on how he thought his side didn’t show a good enough account of themselves in last year’s semi-final defeat.
The Leopards were beaten by Warrington in the final four, and an “average” performance from Lam’s men saw them crash out of the competition empty-handed.
What better way to avenge that defeat than to topple them in the same competition at the first possible chance, as Leigh look to return to the national stadium for the first time in three years.
Wigan Warriors vs Hull KR:
An obvious one, as it arguably the two favourites for the title, a tie between last year’s Grand Finalists at this stage would be a shock, and it would mean a very early exit for one of those two sides.
Hull KR will no doubt want to defend their trophy as valiantly as possible, and they would certainly do that if they overcame the Warriors, who will be out for blood after coming up short at Old Trafford in October.
Bradford Bulls vs Castleford Tigers:
Not only is this a local derby, but it was a Challenge Cup tie that occurred last season, and Bradford emerged as shock winners.
At that point the Bulls were still in the Championship, and Brian Noble’s men pulled off an 18-16 victory to progress to the next round, where they would meet Salford Red Devils.
If this tie came out of the hat, both sides would certainly have something to prove, with the Bulls wanting to pull off another victory and Castleford wanting to avenge their defeat to their West Yorkshire neighbours.
Leeds Rhinos’ latest transfer pursuit, Hull FC new boy assessed and potential cup ‘upsets’ – Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show here.
