Championship clubs enter Challenge Cup fourth round

The 12 Championship clubs will be part of the Challenge Cup for the first time this season, after the draw for the fourth round was made in Bradford.

Super League stars Jamie Peacock and Leon Pryce conducted the draw, which threw up some interesting ties.

Leigh Centurions have been drawn at home to London Broncos, while their amateur neighbours, Leigh Miners Rangers, will also welcome southern opposition to their home, in the shape of Oxford.

Bradford will play Workington in an all-Championship tie, while Stanley Gene‘s Newcastle Thunder will travel to Dewsbury.

“It was fantastic to see how many fans turn out for the draw tonight,” said Peacock, who won the trophy last year with Leeds.

“It’s a trophy with great heritage so let’s make a fuss out of it and I’m glad the RFL have been able to do that.

“Leigh against London has to be the tie of the round and it will be interesting to see how some of the community clubs go in their home fixtures.”

Both Pryce and Peacock are former Bradford Bulls greats, and Pryce enjoyed the experience of being back in his hometown.

“It was great to come back to Bradford and help with the draw,” he said.

“My fondest memory of rugby league when I was growing up is watching the Challenge Cup.

“I was pleased to see the Bulls got a home tie against Workington. That one obviously got the biggest cheer of the evening!”

Challenge Cup Fourth Round Draw:

North Wales Crusaders v Doncaster
Dewsbury Rams v Newcastle Thunder
Featherstone Lions v York City Knights
Barrow Raiders v Halifax
Bradford Bulls v Workington Town
Normanton Knights v Batley Bulldogs
Leigh Miners Rangers v Oxford
Swinton Lions v Rochdale Hornets
Sheffield Eagles v Oldham
Whitehaven v Featherstone Rovers
Leigh Centurions v London Broncos
University of Gloucestershire All Golds v Hunslet Hawks