BBC SPORT will continue their coverage of the Betfred Challenge Cup with the Third Round tie between Bradford Bulls and Castleford Tigers at Odsal Stadium on Sunday 9 February (KO 1pm).
Both the West Yorkshire clubs have a rich history in the competition, with the last of Bradford’s five Challenge Cup triumphs coming in 2003 at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, and the Tigers having won the competition four times, the last of them at Wembley in 1986 – although they have reached three Wembley Finals since then, most recently in 2021.
The tie will be given added intrigue by the clubs’ coaching appointments for the 2025 season. Brian Noble, who was in charge of that last Cup triumph for Bradford in 2003 against Leeds Rhinos, has returned to the Bulls as head coach as they plot a return to the Betfred Super League.
Meanwhile the Tigers have appointed Danny McGuire, a member of the Leeds team beaten by Bradford in 2003, and a serial trophy winner himself.
The 2025 Betfred Challenge Cup has made a flying start with BBC Sport recording two of their highest recent viewing figures for their televised ties in each of the first two rounds – the all-community First Round tie between Waterhead Warriors and Leigh Miners Rangers, followed by last Saturday’s historic Second Round tie when Goole Vikings won their first ever match as a professional club at London Broncos.
The Betfred Challenge Cup Round Three ties are to be played over the weekend of 7-9 February with a full list of ties below…
Betfred Challenge Cup Round Three:
Friday February 7
Workington Town v Leigh Leopards, KO 7.30pm
Sheffield Eagles v Wigan Warriors, KO 7.30pm
Keighley Cougars or York Knights v Hull KR (venue/KO TBC)
Saturday February 8
Wests Warriors v Leeds Rhinos, KO 12pm
York Acorn v Hull FC, KO 2pm
West Hull v St Helens, KO 2pm
Goole Vikings v Wakefield Trinity, KO 3pm
Halifax Panthers v Catalans Dragons, KO 3pm
Whitehaven v Warrington Wolves, KO 3pm
Sunday February 9
Bradford Bulls v Castleford Tigers, KO 1pm – live on BBC iPlayer/BBC Sport/via the Red Button
Batley Bulldogs v Dewsbury Rams, KO 2pm
Featherstone Rovers v Ince Rose Bridge, KO 2pm
Midlands Hurricanes v Salford Red Devils, KO 2pm
North Wales Crusaders v Widnes Vikings, KO 2.30pm
Oldham RLFC v Barrow Raiders, KO 3pm
Hunslet RLFC v Huddersfield Giants, KO 3pm
