Holders Leeds Rhinos will begin their defence of the Challenge Cup at home to Huddersfield Giants after the sixth round draw was made earlier this evening on the BBC News Channel.
The eight leading Super League clubs from 2014 entered the last 16 of the competition in tonight’s draw, and other notable ties include Wigan Warriors at home to Hull Kingston Rovers, Hull FC against Castleford Tigers and Wakefield Trinity Wildcats will take on Leigh Centurions.
The Centurions were the only team to beat opponents from a higher league in the fifth round, and they will be confident of doing it again when they visit the Wildcats.
The sole remaining League One club, York City Knights, face a daunting trip to St Helens.
The home teams were drawn by Shaun Edwards OBE, the former Wigan and London Broncos scrum-half, and the away teams were drawn by Nathan McAvoy, who scored a try for Bradford Bulls in their Challenge Cup final victory over Leeds Rhinos in 2000.
Shaun Edwards said: “It was great to talk about the competing teams again and to see the trophy. It still sends shivers down my spine when I’m around it.
“The best thing about the Challenge Cup for me was seeing the faces of the fans when you arrived home the next day to celebrate with them. It was a great feeling seeing your mates in the crowd who were really happy with you had just achieved.”
Nathan McAvoy said: “Leeds against Huddersfield will be a big game and Wigan will need to perform against an exciting Hull KR side who are doing well in the league at the moment.
“It’s hard to describe the feeling of playing in a Challenge Cup final but the build up to it and the preparation just make it such a special occasion. One that I’ll never forget.”
The sixth round ties will be played over the weekend of May 15-17.
The Ladbrokes Challenge Cup sixth round draw in full is as follows:
Widnes Vikings v Batley Bulldogs
Leeds Rhinos v Huddersfield Giants
Hull FC v Castleford Tigers
Wigan Warriors v Hull Kingston Rovers
Catalans Dragons v Featherstone Rovers
St Helens v York City Knights
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Leigh Centurions
Dewsbury Rams v Warrington Wolves
The sixth round ties will be played over the weekend of May 15 -17.
