The draw for Round 6 of the Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup was made earlier this evening at the BBC’s MediaCity HQ in Salford and cup holders Leigh Leopards, one of 12 Super League clubs to join four from the Championship in the hat, will begin their defence against Featherstone Rovers.
Head coach Adrian Lam, who guided Leigh to their first major trophy in 52 years, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve got a home draw, I don’t think in all my years here that I’ve had a Challenge Cup tie at Leigh Sports Village so I’m looking forward to it. We’ve had some big clashes against Featherstone Rovers when we were in the Championship, and I know they’ll also be relishing coming to us so I think it will be a great game.”
Former Super League star Iestyn Harris, who led Leeds Rhinos to Challenge Cup glory against London Broncos at Wembley Stadium 25 years ago, was in the Sportsday studio to conduct the draw – and his former club will face St Helens who they meet this Friday in the Betfred Super League (15 March).
20-time winners Wigan Warriors will host Sheffield Eagles – who famously caused an upset in their one and only Challenge Cup Final appearance in 1998 with Head Coach Mark Aston the Lance Todd Trophy winner that day.
Batley Bulldogs, the first winners of the cup in 1897, will welcome back their former coach Craig Lingard to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in his new position with Castleford Tigers.
Last year’s runners up Hull KR have a tough home tie against a Salford Red Devils team who have won their last three Super League fixtures.
Round 6 draw (ties to take place over the weekend of 23/24 March)
Hull KR v Salford Red Devils
Wigan Warriors v Sheffield Eagles
Batley Bulldogs v Castleford Tigers
Leigh Leopards v Featherstone Rovers
Leeds Rhinos v St Helens
Warrington Wolves v London Broncos
Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC
Halifax Panthers v Catalans Dragons
Fixture dates, kick off times and live broadcast details will be confirmed as early as possible.
The Men's 2024 Betfred Challenge Cup Final (KO 3pm) is part of a Finals Day triple-header at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 8 June, alongside the finals of the Betfred Women's Challenge Cup (KO 11.45am) and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup (KO 5.45pm). Plus, there will be the traditional Year 7 Boys’ Champion Schools Final at 10am. Tickets are available online now from only £20 Adults and £10 Under 16s, with family packages also available.
