The 2026 Rugby League season is finally here, and St.Helens will kick-off the new campaign with a trip to Workington Town in the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup!
Taking place in West Cumbria at the Fibrus Community Stadium (also known as Derwent Park), kick-off is scheduled for 7:30pm.
It will be the first meeting between the two sides since the 1996 season, 30 years on from the Saints’ historic Double with the first-ever Super League title and the Challenge Cup being brought back to our town.
🎟️ TICKET INFORMATION
Saints supporters have the option of seating or standing tickets at Derwent Park.
Supporters are able to purchase their tickets online by visit the Workington’s ticketing website.
For more ticket and travel details, please click here.
SQUAD NEWS
Paul Rowley has named his first 21-man Saints squad for competitive fixture, and he could be handing out official club debuts to six Saints on Friday night, with five of our 2026 recruits named in the 21, alongside a Saints Academy talent.
Click or tap on the image below to read more about our Challenge Cup Third Round squad news.
Workington Town have announced their 21-man squad on Friday morning, which you can view below, alongside a full itinerary of all their match day plans.
It’s matchday and here is Town’s 21 man squad brought to you by GT Tyres
The team will be announced at 630pm
Braden Leigh is injured and is replaced in the 21 by returning captain Stevie Scholey
🙏𝐀R𝐑I𝐕E E𝐀R𝐋Y, 𝐒T𝐀Y L𝐀T𝐄!
Here’s a run down of the plan.
445 – 5pm -… pic.twitter.com/OEtKJBhu56
— Workington Town (@WorkingtonTown) February 6, 2026
📲 FOLLOW THE GAME WITH SAINTS
Fans not in attendance will be updated in full with the Saints’ Live Match Centre – your hub to find out the team news, follow live game updates, see behind the scenes photos, and click to read all the key stories of the fixture.
St.Helens’ social media accounts will keep supporters up to date of every key moment, so ensure you are following us!
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Highlights and the full match replay will be available for Saints TV subscribers too.
1̶9̶9̶6̶ 2026 HOME KIT
The Saints’ 206 Home Kit will be worn proudly on Friday night!
Paying homage to the inaugural season of Super League in 1996, this year is 30 years since that momentous campaign during which St.Helens won the League title and a memorable Challenge Cup victory at Wembley.
The kit worn during that season has since become iconic, and a retro favourite amongst Saints fans. Worn by the likes of Steve Prescott MBE, Tommy Martyn, Keiron Cunningham, Chris Joynt, Anthony Sullivan, Bobbie Goulding and Paul Newlove to name but a few.
In celebrating the triumphs of that year, we have launched an updated version of the kit using modern fabrics but retaining the iconic design features from the 90s era.
Get yours online by visiting saintssuperstore.com!
📺 WATCH LIVE ON THE SPORTSMAN
With so much to look forward to as the new season gets underway – and with this being the first meeting between Saints and Workington in 30 years – The Sportsman Rugby League will broadcast this exciting fixture live and for free on YouTube.
Tune in to watch with coverage starting from 7:15pm, and kick-off at 7:30pm.
🏉 THIRD ROUND SCHEDULE IN FULL
Friday February 6
Hunslet v Huddersfield Giants (KO 7pm)
Workington Town v St Helens (KO 7.30pm) – The Sportsman
Sheffield Eagles v Warrington Wolves (KO 7.30pm)
Lock Lane v Hull KR (KO 8pm)
Salford RLFC v Hull FC (KO 8pm)
Saturday February 7
Doncaster RLFC v Castleford Tigers (KO 2pm)
Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos (KO 3pm) – The Sportsman
Barrow Raiders v York Knights (KO 6pm)
North Wales Crusaders v Leigh Leopards (7pm)
Sunday February 8
London Broncos v Bradford Bulls (KO 3pm) – BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer
Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity (KO 3pm)
Batley Bulldogs v Catalans Dragons (KO 2pm)
Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors (KO 3pm)
Halifax Panthers v Goole Vikings (KO 3pm)
Oldham RLFC v Dewsbury Rams (KO 3pm) – Bower Fold, Stalybridge
Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes (KO 3pm)
🗣️ WHO WILL BE THE MATCH OFFICIALS?
Liam Rush will be the Referee for Friday night’s fixture, and he will be supported by Touch Judges Ryan Cox and Warren Turley.
There will be no Video Referee for this fixture.
😇 HONOURING THE PAST. INSPIRING THE FUTURE.
In 2026 St.Helens R.F.C. marks a momentous milestone – 30 years on from our club securing the Double with the 1996 Challenge Cup trophy and the inaugural Super League title. Saints will celebrate three decades of thrilling rugby league action, unforgettable moments, and the unwavering passion of the Red V faithful.
On the field, our next generation of homegrown stars await, and they will be striving to repeat the successes of the glorious 1996 season.
Being a Member is simply the best value way to support your Club, with up to 23% saved on matchday ticket prices!
Find out more by clicking on the image below!
