St.Helens will join the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup later on today (12th January 2026) with the Third Round to be drawn.
Our competitive season will start over the weekend of the 6th to 8th of February 2026, with the Challenge Cup Third Round seeded to guarantee each Super League club an away fixture against one of the victorious teams from the Second Round.
Local community clubs Blackbrook and Thatto Heath Crusaders could be in contention following their victories this past weekend. Blackbrook beat GB Police 52-6, whilst the Crusaders saw off Seaton Rangers 78-10.
With the Second Round to be played over the weekend of the 24th-25th of January, the Saints could be drawn with an either/or fixture. Last year’s draw saw St.Helens face potentially four opponents, until West Hull progressed into the Third Round.
Today’s draw takes place in Wakefield at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, as part of the 2026 Betfred Championship season launch. John Kear will be conducting the draw itself, with the results to be made public this afternoon (12th January 2026).
St.Helens will be ball number 28, with the full list of the numbers below:
1. Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC
2. Blackbrook v Workington Town
3. Brighouse Rangers/Lock Lane
4. Dewsbury Rams v Kings Cross Park/West Hull
5. Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
6. Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders/London Chargers
7. Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford RLFC
8. Heworth/RAF v Keighley Cougars
9. London Broncos v Wests Warriors
10. Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish
11. North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers
12. Oldham v Orrell St James
13. Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
14. Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
15. Siddal/Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
16. Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet
17. Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
18. Wigan St Jude/Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
19. Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
20. Bradford Bulls
21. Castleford Tigers
22. Catalans Dragons
23. Huddersfield Giants
24. Hull FC
25. Hull KR
26. Leeds Rhinos
27. Leigh Leopards
28. St Helens
29. Wakefield Trinity
30. Warrington Wolves
31. Wigan Warriors
32. York RLFC
