The Sportsman to show Siddal and Waterhead's Betfred Challenge Cup Round One tie

The Sportsman will begin their Betfred Challenge Cup coverage in 2026 – starting with Siddal and Waterhead's rescheduled Round One tie on Sunday January 18 (K.O. 2pm).

The game was postponed last weekend due to adverse weather conditions, but the sides are set for action this approaching weekend instead, along with eight other rescheduled Round One matches that will take place on Saturday.

Sunday's standalone fixture is one that will see Leeds Rhinos playmaker Jake Connor take on his new role as Siddal head coach. 

The community club recently confirmed his appointment with the 2025 Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel ready to lead from the front and drive the West Yorkshire club into a big 2026.

Waterhead will also be more than up for the contest, following their dramatic Round One tie in front of the BBC cameras last year.

The Warriors came out on top against Leigh Miners Rangers in Golden Point extra time with a memorable Marcus Geener try, but can they do something similar in the 2026 competition?

Eight of the Challenge Cup Round One fixtures have already taken place, with the remaining tie postponed to this upcoming Saturday and Sunday.

A preview of the remaining ties can be found here.

Round 1's results so far can be found here.

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!