Betfred Challenge Cup Round 2 Saturday Round-Up

Sheffield Eagles will host nine-time Betfred Challenge Cup winners Warrington Wolves in Round Three of this year’s competition following an 18-6 victory over fellow Championship side Whitehaven, live in front of the BBC Sport cameras.

The Cumbrian visitors had taken the lead in the Round Two tie through Cole Walker-Taylor however Joe Brown levelled the scores before the break. The Eagles would go on to cross twice more in the second half with Joel Farrell and Conor Fitzimmons adding their names to the scoresheet.

Ince Rose Bridge came the closest to causing a Challenge Cup upset on Saturday falling 26-44 to three-time winners Swinton Lions, with the National Conference side leading by eight points up until the hour-mark.

However, the Lions capitalised on a tired Rose Bridge side in the final quarter going over for six tries inside the final 18 minutes. Swinton will now host five-time winners Wakefield Trinity in the Third Round.

Elsewhere, there were comfortable wins for Barrow Raiders, Keighley Cougars and Hunslet. The Cougars saw off Heworth 0-66 whilst Hunslet overcame Stanningley 0-44 and the Raiders were the biggest victors over Wigan St Judes, 4-76.

Hunslet will host Huddersfield Giants in the next round whilst the Cougars will host the winner of Sunday’s tie between Midlands Hurricanes and Welsh outfit Aberavon Fighting Irish. Barrow Raiders will face York Knights, a week before the Knights kick off their first-ever Super League campaign.

Betfred Challenge Cup Round 2, Saturday 24 January:

• Ince Rose Bridge 26-44 Swinton Lions
• Heworth 0-66 Keighley Cougars
• Stanningley 0-44 Hunslet
• Sheffield Eagles 18-6 Whitehaven
• Wigan St Judes 4-76 Barrow Raiders

Betfred Challenge Cup Round 2, Saturday 24 January

• Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford Red Devils, 6pm 

Betfred Challenge Cup Round 3, as it stands:

• Barrow Raiders v York Knights
• Batley Bulldogs or Hunslet ARLFC v Catalans Dragons
• North Wales Crusaders or Bedford Tigers v Leigh Leopards
• Lock Lane v Hull KR
• Blackbrook or Workington Town v St Helens
• Waterhead Warriors or Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors
• London Broncos or Wests Warriors v Bradford Bulls
• Sheffield Eagles v Warrington Wolves
• Hammersmith Hills Hoists or Salford RLFC v Hull FC
• Hunslet v Huddersfield Giants
• Doncaster or Midlands Hurricanes v Castleford Tigers
• Halifax Panthers or London Charges v Mirfield Spartans or Goole Vikings
• Oldham or Orrell St James v Dewsbury Rams or West Hull
• Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes or Aberavon Fighting Irish

Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates:

• 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!