Seven rugby league games live on TV as Challenge Cup returns

Super League and the Championship take a week off this week and make way for the Challenge Cup.

That means more free-to-air rugby league following the success of recent rounds, and more recently Saturday’s Channel 4 game between St Helens and Salford,

Both those sides are in action this week in the Challenge Cup, both on Viaplay which was formerly Premier Sports.

As well as Challenge Cup action there’s also an NRL slate of fixtures and here’s when and where they can be watched.

Thursday 18th May

Brisbane Broncos vs Penrith Panthers: 10:50am on Sky Sports Arena

Thursday morning treats fans to a clash between second and third as one of the season’s shock contenders take on the reigning two-time Premiers. The Panthers are coming off the back of a 48-4 demolition of the Roosters, whilst Herbie Farnworth and the Broncos will want a response to their defeat at the hands of the Storm.

Friday 19th May

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Parramatta Eels: 11:00am on Sky Sports Main Event
Halifax Panthers vs St Helens: 7:45pm on Viaplay Sports 1

Friday is the return of the Challenge Cup but before that the first-placed Rabbitohs take on Parramatta. There’s one less Englishman in this than expected with Tom Burgess missing out through injury, but Josh Hodgson features for the Eels.

The evening game sees Championship side Halifax take on World Champion St Helens in a game that’s sure to be packed out attendance at The Shay. Can the Panthers spring a huge cup upset?

Saturday 20th May

The Dolphins vs Melbourne Storm: 10:35am on Sky Sports Mix
Leeds Rhinos vs Wigan Warriors: 2:30pm on BBC One and iPlayer
Salford Red Devils vs Huddersfield Giants: 7:30pm on Viaplay Sports 1

Saturday boasts three games with Wayne Bennett’s Dolphins getting things underway in the morning before an afternoon and evening of all Super League ties in the Challenge Cup.

Wigan travel to Headingley to try avenge their shock defeat in the league and to kickstart their defence of the trophy. Last year’s beaten finalists, Huddersfield, then travel to the AJ Bell Stadium looking to find some form when they face Salford. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last five but fell to defeat against the Giants in round seven of Super League.

Sunday 21st May

Castleford Tigers vs Hull FC: 3:oopm on BBC Two

Sunday sees just one game but it’s back on the BBC and features hosts Castleford who are desperate to find some form take on Hull FC who have recorded three wins on the spin. These two sides faced off in round one when the Tigers just fell short of the comeback losing out 32-30.