The Challenge Cup ramps up in round six as the Super League clubs join the party.
There’s 16 teams now left in the competition, meaning a total of four clubs have battled hard through the rounds to reach this point.
Joining the 12 Super League clubs are Batley Bulldogs, Featherstone Rovers, Halifax Panthers and Sheffield Eagles.
Our North West representatives are Leigh Leopards, Salford Red Devils, St Helens, Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.
The Challenge Cup is a historic knockout tournament that dates back to 1896. Every club – big or small – is eager to win.
Running throughout the regular season it would be easy for clubs to rest players to avoid injuries and fatigue. But such is the pedigree of the competition, that is a rarity.
Last year’s champions Leigh begin their defence on home soil against Featherstone. They’ve had a disappointing season thus far, but do come into this game on the back of a huge victory over Hull FC in the league.
The 2022 champions and last year’s Super League winners Wigan also have a home tie against Championship opposition. They will play Sheffield as they bid for a 21st title.
The Warriors already hold the record for titles by a stunning margin of six, such has been their domination over the years.
St Helens have largely dominated the Super League in the past five years, but in that time frame have only had one Challenge Cup title that came in 2021. Moreover, that was their only one in the past 15 years.
Saints fan and Shevington Sharks player Cameron Birkett has expressed the importance of having a good cup run this time around, saying: “Silverware is Silverware and for a club as big at St Helens we have to be competing every season.
“Despite the World Club Challenge win last year we seemed to lose our mojo a little, and a good cup run would definitely help bring that back.”
He went on to say: “It’s a trophy that’s nice to win and a trip to Wembley is always a great occasion.
“However I feel this year it would mean even more because there’s so many other competitive teams pushing at the top end.”
The Saints begin their cup run with a trip to Leeds Rhinos.
Salford travel to Hull KR in what looks like a mouth-watering clash on paper. The Red Devils only have one title in the competition thus far, but will be hopeful of ending their 86 year baron spell this time around.
As for Warrington, they’ve had much more success in this competition than they have in the Super League.
The nine time champions have won the competition four times in the last 15 years, and will host London Broncos in this year’s first outing, a side they dismantled last weekend in the league.
Betfred Challenge Cup Round Six Fixture List (All KO times GMT)
Friday 22nd March
Hull KR 20:00 Salford Red Devils
Leeds Rhinos 20:00 St Helens
Wigan Warriors 20:00 Sheffield Eagles
Saturday 23rd March
Huddersfield Giants 14:00 Hull FC
Leigh Leopards 14:00 Featherstone Rovers
Batley Bulldogs 15:00 Castleford Tigers
Warrington Wolves 17:30 London Broncos
Sunday 24th March
Halifax Panthers 15:00 Catalans Dragons
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