RECAP: CHALLENGE CUP FIRST AND SECOND ROUND DRAWS

Midlands Hurricanes and Telford Raiders discover Challenge Cup opponents in Goole

In front of a number of excited Vikings fans, Goole was the venue for the 2025 Challenge Cup First and Second Round draws that were broadcast live on the BBC Sport website and on BBC iPlayer. Whilst the Hurricanes were always guaranteed a place in the Second Round for 2025, fellow Midlands side Telford Raiders will make their Challenge Cup debut in the First Round following back-to-back Midlands Premier League Grand Finals and a victorious Harry Jepson Trophy campaign.

In the First Round draw, it was confirmed Telford Raiders will travel to face National Conference Premier side Rochdale Mayfield during the weekend of 11th/12th January. Mayfield have recent history of causing upsets in the Challenge Cup, having knocked off League One side Cornwall 20-14 at The Memorial Ground in the Second Round of the 2023 tournament. Should Telford overcome Rochdale, they will face a tough trip to Boundary Park where they will face Championship outfit Oldham.

In the Second Round draw, the Hurricanes learned they will host the winners of the First Round clash between 2024 South Conference League Winners Hammersmith Hill Hoists ARLFC and 2024 National Conference Premier League Leaders Siddal ARLFC.

Hammersmith’s best Challenge Cup run came last season as they overcame Medway Dragons (56-6), West Bowling (32-10) and Wests Warriors (22-12) before succumbing to Championship heavyweights Halifax (50-4) in the Fourth Round. Siddal made history in 2017 when they became the first competitive opponents of Toronto Wolfpack, where they narrowly lost 14-6 in the Third Round. Siddal also made the Third Round of last year’s competition, defeating Clock Face Miners 38-4 in the Second Round before losing 70-6 to Championship Grand Final winners Wakefield Trinity.

The game will take place during the weekend of 25th/26th January and ticket information will be released in due course.