Two more clubs get Challenge Cup chance
Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix
National Conference League sides Barrow Island and Crosfields have been added to the Challenge Cup first round draw.
Following the withdrawal of West Wales Raiders, they have been added to the draw to ensure there are 18 ties in the first round.
The 18 winners will be joined by the remaining 10 League 1 clubs and 10 from the NCL Premier Division in the second round.
The draw will take place at Wembley on Thursday January 12.
The first round will take place on the weekend of February 11-12, including each of three Armed Forces, six teams from the Southern Conference League and one each from Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Dublin City Exiles are returning to the competition for the first time since 2022, while Rhondda Outlaws and Edinburgh Eagles will also return.
The second round draw will also take place on January 12.
Betfred Challenge Cup – First Round draw (36 teams)
Impact Performance NCL – Barrow Island, Crosfields, Featherstone Lions, Heworth, Hull Dockers, Ince Rose Bridge, Milford, Myton Warriors, Oulton Raiders, Saddleworth Rangers, Skirlaugh, Stanningley, Thornhill Trojans, West Bowling, Wigan St Patricks;
British Army, Great Britain Police, RAF, Royal Navy;
Ashton Bears, Bedford Tigers, Brentwood Eels, Distington, Doncaster Toll Bar, Dublin City Exiles, Edinburgh Eagles, Fryston Warriors, Hammersmith Hills Hoists, Jarrow Vikings, London Chargers, North Herts Crusaders, Orrell St James, Rhondda Outlaws, Waterhead, Westgate Common, Wests Warriors.
Betfred Challenge Cup – Second Round draw (38 teams)
18 First Round winners
Impact Performance NCL Premier (10) – Hunslet ARLFC, Leigh Miners, Lock Lane, Pilkington Recs, Rochdale Mayfield, Siddal, Thatto Heath Crusaders, Wath Brow Hornets, West Hull, York Acorn
Betfred League One (11) – Cornwall, Dewsbury Rams, Doncaster, Hunslet, London Skolars, Midlands Hurricanes, North Wales Crusaders, Oldham, Rochdale Hornets, Workington Town