Wigan Warriors discover potential Challenge Cup opponents as third round draw made
Wigan Warriors will travel to either Siddal ARLFC, Waterhead Warriors or Rochdale Hornets in the third round of the 2026 Men’s Challenge Cup.
The third round draw was conducted by two-time Challenge Cup-winning coach John Kear and broadcaster Ross Fiddes on Monday afternoon at Wakefield Trinity’s DIY Kitchens Stadium as part of the 2026 Championship season launch.
As was the case in 2025, all Super League sides have been drawn away to lower-league opposition at the third round stage. Last year, Matt Peet’s side were 48-12 winners away at Sheffield Eagles.
The Warriors will travel to Siddal ARLFC/Waterhead Warriors or Rochdale Hornets in the third round of the 2026 competition.
Siddal and Waterhead were due to play in the first round on Saturday, but it was postponed due to the wintry weather and will be rearranged.
The winner of Siddal and Waterhead will host Championship side Rochdale Hornets in the second round, with the winner of that then taking on Wigan.
The third round ties will be played over the weekend of February 6-8.
Meanwhile, Orrell St James will face Championship heavyweights Oldham in the second round, with the winner set to host Dewsbury Rams or King Cross Park/West Hull in the third round.
Elsewhere in the borough, the round one tie between Wigan St Judes and Leigh Miners Rangers will be rearranged, as will Ince Rose Bridge’s trip to Rochdale Mayfield.
Challenge Cup third round draw: Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge or Swinton Lions v Wakefield Trinity, Thatto Heath Crusaders or Widnes Vikings v Leeds Rhinos, Wigan St Judes/Leigh Miners Rangers or Barrow Raiders v York Knights, Batley Bulldogs or Hunslet ARLFC v Catalans Dragons, North Wales Crusaders or Bedford Tigers v Leigh Leopards, Brighouse Rangers or Lock Lane v Hull KR, Blackbrook or Workington Town v St Helens, Siddal/Waterhead or Rochdale Hornets v Wigan Warriors, London Broncos or Wests Warriors v Bradford Bulls, Sheffield Eagles or Whitehaven v Warrington Wolves, Hammersmith Hills Hoists or Salford RLFC v Hull FC, Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor or Hunslet v Huddersfield Giants, Doncaster or Newcastle Thunder v Castleford Tigers, Halifax Panthers or Telford Raiders/London Chargers or Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans or Goole Vikings, Oldham or Orrell St James v Dewsbury Rams or King Cross Park/West Hull, Heworth/RAF or Keighley Cougars v Midlands Hurricanes or Aberavon Fighting Irish.