Challenge Cup Round 3 Draw Ball Numbers

Two-time Challenge Cup winner John Kear will join broadcaster Ross Fiddes to conduct the draw for the Third Round of the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup tomorrow afternoon (12 Jan).

Kear confirmed at the end of 2025 that he was to retire after a long and hugely successful coaching career, which included famous Challenge Cup triumphs with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 and Hull FC in 2005.

That 2005 triumph is regarded as one of the sport’s most thrilling finals where Hull edged past Leeds Rhinos 25–24 to secure a dramatic victory at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

Monday’s draw will take place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield as part of the 2026 Betfred Championship Season launch.

Third Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 6-8.

Round 3 Draw Ball Numbers

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

It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!