The Sportsman will show two Betfred Challenge Cup matches in Round 3, starting with Workington Town versus St Helens on Friday Night (K.O. 7.30pm).
There have been three previous Challenge Cup meetings between the sides, with the teams last going head-to-head in Super League’s inaugural season – almost 30 years ago.
Then, on Saturday, former ‘Cup Kings’ Widnes Vikings host 2020 winners Leeds Rhinos in front of The Sportsman cameras (K.O. 3pm).
Both teams are rich in Challenge Cup history and have met a total of 18 times in the competition, including the 1977 final.
Their most recent meeting came in 2018 where the Vikings came close to pulling off a dramatic cup upset, pushing the Rhinos all the way on home soil, before eventually losing out 20-23.
There is the potential for another close contest on the cards with both teams striving for a strong 2026 in their respective leagues.
A full weekend of Challenge Cup action continues through to Sunday, with BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer streaming Bradford Bulls’ blockbuster third round tie at London Broncos (K.O. 3pm).
Bradford, back in Betfred Super League after a 12-year absence, will head south to face ambitious opponents who are hoping to make strides in the Championship this season.
London, revitalised since Australian superstar Darren Lockyer took part ownership, will hope to cause a shock as sides continue the road to Wembley.
They haven’t reached the final since 1999 when a team featuring rugby league greats Shaun Edwards and Martin Offiah lost out to Leeds Rhinos.
Bradford, whose last Cup final win came in 2003, are looking to press on into the fourth round as they step up their preparations for their Super League return.
The thirteen other ties will take place across the weekend, with the competition hotting up as the 13 Betfred Super League clubs enter at this stage.
Below is a reminder of the Betfred Challenge Cup Round 3 fixtures taking place this weekend (February 6-8):
Friday February 6
Hunslet v Huddersfield Giants (KO 7pm)
Workington Town v St Helens (KO 7.30pm) - The Sportsman
Sheffield Eagles v Warrington Wolves (KO 7.30pm)
Lock Lane v Hull KR (KO 8pm)
Salford RLFC v Hull FC (KO 8pm)
Saturday February 7
Doncaster RLFC v Castleford Tigers (KO 2pm)
Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos (KO 3pm) - The Sportsman
Barrow Raiders v York Knights (KO 6pm)
North Wales Crusaders v Leigh Leopards (7pm)
Sunday February 8
London Broncos v Bradford Bulls (KO 3pm) - BBC Sport and BBC iPlayer
Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity (KO 3pm)
Batley Bulldogs v Catalans Dragons (KO 2pm)
Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors (KO 3pm)
Halifax Panthers v Goole Vikings (KO 3pm)
Oldham RLFC v Dewsbury Rams (KO 3pm) - Bower Fold, Stalybridge
Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes (KO 3pm)
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!
