HALIFAX PANTHERS will begin their defence of the Wheelchair Challenge Cup with a home tie against competition debutants Batley Bulldogs.
The knockout tournament has been expanded to 16 teams for the first time, double the eight who participated last year when the Panthers won their record-extending fifth title.
Halifax beat London Roosters in the final, the start of an eventual wheelchair treble.
The eight Super League teams will face off against the eight Championship sides in the first round this year, giving a tricky tie to Batley – who only formed in late 2024 – among others.
Wakefield Trinity will face London and York Knights have been drawn against three-time winners Leeds Rhinos.
North Wales Crusaders are to play Wigan Warriors while Castleford Tigers will look to make up for the disappointment of missing out on a Super League place by beating the team picked by the RFL instead, Bradford Bulls.
Catalans Dragons, who won the Challenge Cup in 2023 and 2024, were removed from the draw last year due to a dispute between the English and French federations, and will not participate this season either.
The competition is expected to begin on Saturday, February 28 with some of the first-round ties.
Wheelchair Challenge Cup first round:
Halifax Panthers v Batley Bulldogs
Hull FC v Gravesend
London Roosters v Wakefield Trinity
Sheffield Eagles v Midlands Hurricanes
North Wales Crusaders v Wigan Warriors
Rochdale v Edinburgh Giants
York Knights v Leeds Rhinos
Castleford Tigers v Bradford Bulls