Round four of the Betfred Challenge Cup kicks off on Friday night as Leeds Rhinos and St Helens go head to head for a second consecutive year in the competition at the Totally Wicked Stadium, kick off 8pm.

Live on the Sportsman, both clubs secured convincing wins in round three and now look to push onto the next step closer to Wembley in one of the standout fixtures of the round.

Here is your preview of the matchup:

Opposition

13-time Cup winners St Helens come into round four off the back of a hefty 38-0 win over West Hull as they were one of the Betfred Super League sides drawn against National Conference League opposition. New signings Tristan Sailor and Lewis Murphy both scored in the seven-try win as head coach Paul Wellens mixed an experienced starting line-up with a youthful bench to get the job done at Sewell Group Craven Park and progress through to round four.

The club has missed out on getting to the Final in each of the last three years; a run they hope to end in 2025. Prior to lifting the Cup most recently against Castleford in 2021, Saints enjoyed three consecutive seasons of Cup wins in 2006, 2007 and 2008, becoming the first team since Wigan in the early 1990s to retain the Cup over three or more seasons. They also picked up Cup titles in 1956, 1961, 1966, 1972, 1976, 1996, 1997, 2001 and 2004 to sit third behind Leeds and Wigan in terms of all-time Challenge Cup Final wins.

Their Cup history against this week's opponents Leeds sees the clubs meet for the 23rd time in the history of the competition. First meeting in 1911, both sides have 11 Cup wins against each other and they have also shared the Wembley Final stage on two occasions in 1972 and 1978 (Leeds won the most recent outing 14-12). Recent form favours this week's opponents though as the Red Vee won 26-18 in round three in 2021 and took away a 20-6 win at AMT Headingley in the early rounds last year.

Outside of the Cup competition, Wellens' side have made a quick start to their Betfred Super League season, winning three out of four matches. Inside their first two games in the Betfred Super League, the Saints posted 128 points against Castleford and Salford, before restricting Wakefield to six points in a 26-6 result. Last time out, Hull KR managed to take away a 20-10 victory at the Totally Wicked Stadium to inflict a first defeat of the campaign on the Red Vee.

One of the stars of the season so far has been half back Tristan Sailor, who has five tries in four games in red and white, plus youngster Harry Robertson has also made a fast start to his first full season in the senior squad as he leads the league in tries.

Last Ten Round 4 Matches

St Helens

2014 vs Huddersfield (Won 17-16)

2013 vs Hull KR (Lost 26-18)

2012 vs Widnes (Won 40-38)

2011 vs Sheffield (Won 52-26)

2010 vs Toulouse (Won 56-16)

2009 vs St Helens (Won 22-18)

2008 vs London (Won 56-0)

2007 vs Batley (Won 78-14)

2006 vs Doncaster (Won 56-6)

2005 vs Huddersfield (Won 26-22)

Leeds Rhinos

2014 vs Wakefield (Won 60-6)

2013 vs Castleford (Won 28-12)

2012 vs Wakefield (Won 38-18)

2011 vs Crusaders (Won 30-20)

2010 vs Hull FC (Won 48-24)

2009 vs St Helens (Lost 22-18)

2008 vs Crusaders (Won 38-16)

2007 vs Workington (Won 72-10)

2006 vs Leigh (Won 36-12)

2005 vs Warrington (Won 26-22)

Last Cup Meetings

Both sides met in the sixth round of the Cup in 2023 as the Saints overcame Leeds 20-4, a week after both clubs had met in the Betfred Super League.

Take a look back at the full match:

Ticket Information

Tickets and travel for the away Betfred Challenge Cup Round 4 game against St Helens on Friday 14th March at the Totally Wicked Stadium are now on sale.

Rhinos 2025 Season, Flexi and Supporter Members can claim the Member's ticket discount on their own ticket until midnight on Thursday 13. Junior Members can claim a free junior member’s ticket up until midnight on Thursday 13.  

For ticket and travel prices and more information, go to https://www.therhinos.co.uk/ar...