The Super League fixtures have long since been locked in, with The Wire welcoming St Helens to The Halliwell Jones Stadium for a blockbuster Round One clash on Friday, February 13.
As was the case in 2025, however, top-flight sides will first take on an away Challenge Cup third-round tie against lower-league opposition to get their seasons underway over the weekend of February 7-8.
It has now been confirmed that the third-round draw will take place this coming Monday, January 12, in the afternoon. A specific time and broadcast details have not yet been published but the RFL have announced that Wakefield Trinity’s DIY Kitchens Stadium will play host.
Two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach John Kear will draw the ties, with 13 Super League clubs – Toulouse Olympique have again opted not to enter the competition – joining 19 from lower down the pyramid.
The draw, in which Super League clubs will be handed away ties, is being done in advance of the second round, which takes place over the weekend of January 24-25 after first-round games are played this coming weekend.
Last season, Warrington started a run that eventually ended in an agonising final loss to Hull KR at Wembley Stadium with a trip to face League One side Whitehaven, with Sam Burgess’ side running out 44-4 victors.
Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates
First Round (Community clubs) – Jan 10-11
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