The draw for the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup was made today at the 2026 Championship Season Launch Event, with the Vikings being handed a home tie against Leeds Rhinos.
However, attention first turns to the Second Round, where the Vikings must travel to face Thatto Heath Crusaders next weekend. Victory in that fixture would set up an eye-catching Third Round clash against the fourteen-time Challenge Cup winners at the DCBL Stadium.
The potential Third Round tie is scheduled to take place over the weekend of Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th February, with fixture details to be confirmed in due course.
The draw offers the prospect of a major occasion on home soil, but the Vikings will be fully focused on the task at hand as they look to progress past Thatto Heath Crusaders and book their place in the next round.
