Two-time Challenge Cup winner John Kear will join broadcaster Ross Fiddes to conduct the draw for the Third Round of the 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup this afternoon (12 Jan).
Kear confirmed at the end of 2025 that he was to retire after a long and hugely successful coaching career, which included famous Challenge Cup triumphs with Sheffield Eagles in 1998 and Hull FC in 2005.
That 2005 triumph is regarded as one of the sport’s most thrilling finals where Hull edged past Leeds Rhinos 25–24 to secure a dramatic victory at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.
Today’s draw will take place at the DIY Kitchens Stadium in Wakefield as part of the 2026 Betfred Championship Season launch. Details of the draw will be released from 4pm.
Third Round ties will be played over the weekend of February 6-8.
Round 3 Draw Ball Numbers
1. Batley Bulldogs v Hunslet ARLFC
2. Blackbrook v Workington Town
3. Brighouse Rangers/Lock Lane
4. Dewsbury Rams v Kings Cross Park/West Hull
5. Doncaster v Newcastle Thunder
6. Halifax Panthers v Telford Raiders/London Chargers
7. Hammersmith Hills Hoists v Salford Red Devils
8. Heworth/RAF v Keighley Cougars
9. London Broncos v Wests Warriors
10. Midlands Hurricanes v Aberavon Fighting Irish
11. North Wales Crusaders v Bedford Tigers
12. Oldham v Orrell St James
13. Rochdale Mayfield/Ince Rose Bridge v Swinton Lions
14. Sheffield Eagles v Whitehaven
15. Siddal/Waterhead v Rochdale Hornets
16. Stanningley/Dewsbury Moor v Hunslet RLFC
17. Thatto Heath Crusaders v Widnes Vikings
18. Wigan St Jude/Leigh Miners Rangers v Barrow Raiders
19. Woodhouse Warriors/Mirfield Spartans v Goole Vikings
20. Bradford Bulls
21. Castleford Tigers
22. Catalans Dragons
23. Huddersfield Giants
24. Hull FC
25. Hull KR
26. Leeds Rhinos
27. Leigh Leopards
28. St Helens
29. Wakefield Trinity
30. Warrington Wolves
31. Wigan Warriors
32. York RLFC
