
The Challenge Cup was one of the biggest sporting losers over the weekend as snow and ice hit the UK. Just three first round games went ahead with ties being postponed up and down the country.
Siddal were the first community club to confirm their spot in the second round of the competition on Saturday as they beat Hammersmith Hills Hoists, while Blackbrook and Wests Warriors joined them by claiming wins on Sunday. Most matches were pushed back to this weekend, though, as amateur sides look to claim their spot in the second round of the competition.
The second round draw was made last month and you can find a run through of how that stage of the competition looks below. However, the third round draw takes place this week with Super League clubs entering the competition.
With most ties still to be settled, a total of 66 teams will have their names in the third round hat with just 16 ties to be drawn. Here’s all you need to know about the Challenge Cup third round draw.
When is the Challenge Cup third round draw?
The draw for the third round of the Challenge Cup takes place on Tuesday, January 14, with the draw expected to take place shortly after 6.30pm. It will be held at Betfred’s headquarters at Spectrum in Warrington.
How can I watch the Challenge Cup draw?
The draw will be available to stream live on BBC Sport, through iPlayer or the red button with coverage starting at 6.30pm.
How will the draw work?
So, as mentioned above, there will be 16 ties drawn in the third round of the competition, but it’s not as simple as pulling 32 balls from a hat. Super League clubs will all be drawn away from home to give those lower league sides who progress to the third round the chance of a money-spinning home tie against a giant.
Of course, given there are 12 Super League clubs, eight teams will avoid Super League opponents in the third round, ensuring at least four are set to compete in the last 16.
When will the third round be played?
All ties will be scheduled to be played over the weekend of February 8 and 9, that’s the weekend before the Super League campaign gets underway.
Who could my team face?
Here’s a look at how the second round schedule currently looks with 20 winners progressing to join the 12 Super League clubs:
GB Police or York Acorn v London Chargers or Oulton Raiders
Halifax Panthers v Thatto Heath or Orrell St James
Dewsbury Moor or Haresfinch v Dewsbury Rams
Barrow Raiders v Crosfields or Maryport
Mirfield or Royal Navy v Workington Town
London Broncos v Goole Vikings (confirmed Saturday Jan 25, 1230pm, live on BBC Sport)
Lock Lane or Doncaster Toll Bar v Hunslet RLFC
Waterhead Warriors or Leigh Miners v Featherstone Rovers
Wests Warriors v British Army or RAF
Whitehaven v Swinton Lions (confirmed Saturday Jan 25, 3pm)
Stanley Rangers or Hunslet ARLFC v West Hull or Edinburgh Eagles
Rochdale Hornets v Widnes Vikings (confirmed Sunday Jan 26, 3pm)
Oldham v Rochdale Mayfield or Telford Raiders
Keighley Cougars v York Knights (confirmed Sunday Feb 2, 3pm)
Sheffield Eagles v West Bowling or Cutsyke Raiders
Bradford Bulls v Doncaster
Blackbrook v Longhorns or Ince Rose Bridge
Midlands Hurricanes v Siddal
Cornwall v North Wales Crusaders (confirmed Sunday Jan 26, 1pm)
Newcastle Thunder v Batley Bulldogs
