The broadcast picks for the first round of the Challenge Cup have been made, with two of the 17 ties being selected for coverage.

The opening round sees amateur and community clubs from across the UK take part, as they battle it out for a chance to play against a team from the Championship in the next stage.

As they have in recent years, the BBC will televise one game per round up to and including the Challenge Cup Final, which is set to be played on May 30th, with both the men’s and women’s finals happening on the same day.

Kicking off their coverage this year will be Rochdale Mayfield vs Ince Rose Bridge on January 10, two historic amateur clubs who have produced a number of current Super League stars. The away side made it to round three of the competition in 2025, before bowing out to Featherstone Rovers.

The following day, The Sportsman will also show one game in this round, with them selected to broadcast Siddal’s tie against Waterhead Warriors on January 11.

Siddal confirmed that current Man of Steel and Leeds Rhinos star Jake Connor would be taking on the role of head coach next year, meaning that his first game in that role will be in front of the TV cameras.

The confirmation also sees the new opponents of Orrell St James. They were due to play Haresfinch, but later withdrew from the competition, with Oldham St Anne’s taking their place.

Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.

Betfred Challenge Cup round one schedule confirmed

Saturday 10 January

Orrell St James v Oldham St Annes (KO 1.30pm)

Wigan St Judes v Leigh Miners Rangers (KO 2pm)

Rochdale Mayfield v Ince Rose Bridge  (KO 1.30pm) – BBC iPlayer

Blackbrook v GB Police (KO 2pm)

Thatto Heath Crusaders v Seaton Rangers (KO 2pm)

Stanningley v Dewsbury Moor (KO 1.30pm)

Kings Cross Park v West Hull (KO 2pm)

Hunslet ARLFC v York Acorn (KO 1.30pm)

Heworth v RAF (KO 1.30pm)

Brighouse Rangers v Lock Lane (KO 1.30pm)

Woodhouse Warriors v Mirfield Spartans (KO 1.30pm)

Telford Raiders v London Chargers (KO 1pm)

Royal Navy v Hammersmith Hills Hoists (KO 1pm)

Sunday 11 January      

Siddal ARLFC v Waterhead (KO 1.30pm) – The Sportsman

Bedford Tigers v Medway Dragons (KO 2.30pm)

British Army v Wests Warriors (KO 1.30pm)

Broncos (NI) v Aberavon Fighting Irish (KO 1.30pm)