There is more rugby league being broadcast this week after confirmation that a third Challenge Cup tie will be aired.
Round three of the Challenge Cup is the stage at which Super League clubs enter the competition, setting up the possibility for some true giant killings that could go down in rugby league history.
At this stage last year, just one Super League side failed to progress with Castleford Tigers falling to Bradford Bulls and in 2026, it’s the Bulls who face a tough away tie with their clash against London Broncos televised on Sunday afternoon, live on the BBC.
It had also previously been confirmed that Saturday’s clash between Widnes Vikings and Leeds Rhinos would be aired on the Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel, with Jarrod O’Connor returning to his former club a key storyline there.
Now, the Sportsman have announced that they’ve picked up a Friday night game meaning rugby league fan can watch one match for each day of Challenge Cup action.
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
St Helens clash set for broadcast
It’s been confirmed that St Helens’ away trip to Workington Town will be aired by the Sportsman with fans getting a chance to see the first competitive game of the Paul Rowley era.
Saints have played in pre-season under Rowley, dispatching of Castleford Tigers quite easily, but this is his first competitive game and it’s available to watch for free on YouTube.
He’ll have some job to surpass previous coach Paul Wellens’ first competitive game with that being a win in the World Club Challenge away to Penrith Panthers, however, Paul Rowley will be keen for his side to put on a show on Friday night regardless.
Kick-off for the game comes at 7:30 pm with coverage starting 15 minutes earlier and available via this link.
Saints’ trip to Cumbria is one of several games on Friday night but the bulk of ties will be played on Sunday afternoon. A full fixture list and the broadcast details can be seen below.
Other rugby league games available to watch include the two NRL pre-season trials, both of which can be viewed on Sky Sports+ or WatchNRL from 6:30 am on Saturday morning.
Round three Challenge Cup fixtures
Friday 6th February:
Hunslet vs Huddersfield Giants – South Leeds Stadium – KO: 7:00pm
Sheffield Eagles vs Warrington Wolves – Halliwell Jones Stadium – KO: 7:30pm
Workington Town vs St Helens – Derwent Park – KO: 7:30pm – Live on the Sportsman YouTube channel
Lock Lane vs Hull KR – Craven Park – KO: 8:00pm
Salford RLFC vs Hull FC – Salford Community Stadium – KO: 8:00pm
Saturday 7th February:
Doncaster RLFC vs Castleford Tigers – Eco-Power Stadium – KO: 2:00pm
Widnes Vikings vs Leeds Rhinos – DCBL Stadium – KO: 3:00pm – Live on the Sportsman YouTube channel
Barrow Raiders vs York Knights – Northern Competitions Stadium – KO: 6:00pm
North Wales Crusaders vs Leigh Leopards – Stadiwm Eirias – KO: 7:00pm
Sunday 8th February:
Batley Bulldogs vs Catalans Dragons – Fox’s Biscuits Stadium – KO: 2:00pm
London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls – Cherry Red Records Stadium – KO: 3:00pm – Live on BBC Sport
Halifax Panthers vs Goole Vikings – The Shay – KO: 3:00pm
Keighley Cougars vs Midlands Hurricanes – Cougar Park – KO: 3:00pm
Oldham RLFC vs Dewsbury Rams – Bower Fold – KO: 3:00pm
Rochdale Hornets vs Wigan Warriors – Crown Oil Arena – KO: 3:00pm
Swinton Lions vs Wakefield Trinity – Heywood Road – KO: 3:00pm
😉 Fancy another one?
This Friday we are showing @WorkingtonTown vs @Saints1890 in Round Three of the Betfred @TheChallengeCup!
Get it in your diary and subscribe 👉 https://t.co/LTFp4bKYqp@Six_Again | @Betfred pic.twitter.com/ZNSmwMpU20
— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) February 4, 2026
