Challenge Cup second round draw
The Royal Navy will be looking to steer a course straight into the third round of the Carnegie Challenge Cup after securing a plum home tie when the second round draw was made aboard HMS Victory in Portsmouth earlier today.
The senior service will face the winners of the delayed first round tie involving West London Sharks and Nottingham Outlaws, both of whom will have to push the boat out to have any chance of playing against professional opposition in the third round.
Elsewhere, Scottish champions Edinburgh Eagles have an opportunity to leave their Welsh counterparts, Blackwood Bulldogs high and dry while The Army know they will need all hands on deck for their tie against The RAF or Warrington Wizards.
There are stormy seas ahead for some of the clubs from the sport’s traditional heartland, including Wath Brow Hornets and East Hull, who know the ropes of the 113-year-old competition better than most.
The Carnegie Challenge Cup Second Round fixtures are split into two pools and will be played over the weekend of February 13 and 14.
Tickets for the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final which is at Wembley Stadium on Saturday August 28 are now available with prices starting from just £21.
Until March 26 the RFL is offering all those purchasing final tickets a free upgrade on all price bands, expect £76 tickets. For more information, call the RFL Ticket Office on 0844 856 1113 or visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk
Carnegie Challenge Cup 2nd Round Draw
Pool A
Stanningley or Wigan St Judes v Milford Marlins
Rochdale Mayfield v Leigh East
Castleford Panthers v Thatto Heath Crusaders
Ovenden v Myton Warriors or Halton Cross Simms
Wath Brow Hornets v East Hull
Siddal v Oulton
Drighlington or West Hull v Castleford Lock Lane
Normanton or Wigan St Pats v Hunslet Warriors
Hull Dockers or Pilkington Recs v Shaw Cross or Leigh Miners Rangers
Pool B
British Police v Leeds Met
RAF or Warrington Wizards v The Army
Edinburgh Eagles v Blackwood Bulldogs
The Navy v West London Sharks or Nottingham Outlaws