Coverage for the Second Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup can be confirmed today with the BBC continuing their extensive coverage of Rugby League’s oldest competition.
The action will kick off this Saturday when Sheffield Eagles host Whitehaven at the Steel City Stadium (KO 2.30pm) live on BBC iPlayer and Red Button.
Craig Lingard’s Sheffield side finished 11th in the Championship last year, winning just six of their 24 league games but enjoyed a promising and hard-fought 11-4 victory over their opponents in the opening round of the Betfred Championship on Sunday (18 Jan).
Haven meanwhile finished eighth in League 1 in 2025, taking 15 points from 18 games via seven wins and a draw.
A win for either side will see them face Warrington Wolves in Round 3 with the visitors hoping they can earn another crack at the Wolves following their defeat to the 2025 Challenge Cup finalist’s last season.
Betfred Challenge Cup Round 2 (ties to be played on the weekend of January 24-25):
Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven – BBC iPlayer and Red Button
Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
Oldham v Orrell St James
Wigan St Judes v Barrow Raiders
Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
Blackbrook v Workington Town
Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
Stanningley v Hunslet
Dewsbury Rams v West Hull
Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC
Heworth v Keighley Cougars
Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers
London Broncos v Wests Warriors
Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish
Halifax Panthers v London Chargers
Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford RLFC
Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates:
Second Round (Championship clubs enter) – Jan 24-25
Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
Quarter Finals – April 11-12
Semi Finals – May 9/10
Final – Saturday May 30
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!
