Widnes confirm Betfred Challenge Cup details

Following Widnes Vikings emphatic 76-0 winner at community club Thatto Heath on Sunday, Leeds Rhinos now know their opponents for the Third Round of the Befred Challenge Cup. 

Widnes Vikings have confirmed the details for our Betfred Challenge Cup Round Three clash with them at the DCBL Stadium on Saturday, 7th February, kick off 3pm.

We are expecting our allocation of tickets from Widnes on Wednesday and these will be available from 2pm on Thursday 29th January.

TICKET PRICES:

Adults – £15

Concessions – £12

Under 16’s (Non Season Ticket Holders) – £5

Under 16’s (Season Ticket Holders) – FREE (Must provide a valid season ticket on entry)

Under 5’s – FREE

Widnes and Leeds have a long history of facing each other going back to the first ever clash in 1899, when Widnes won 11-8. In total, the two sides have been drawn against each other on 18 occasions, with the Chemics, long regarded as the Cup Kings for their success in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s reaching seven Challenge Cup Finals in a 10 year period, holding the advantage with nine wins to eight and one draw.  

That draw came 40 years ago this year when the two sides 10-10 draw at Naughton Park before Leeds won the replay back at Headingley 5-0 thanks to two goals from David Creasser and a drop goal from Cliff Lyons. 

Leeds have won the last two meetings in the Cup in 1999 and 2018. Leeds were given a scare in the last meeting back in 2018 when, like this year they travelled to face Championship opposition. Current Rhinos Ash Handley, Kallum Watkins and Mikolaj Oledzki were in the Leeds team that day who held on for a nervous 23-20 win. 

Richie Myler made a scoring return for his hometown club as the Rhinos did enough to beat Widnes 23-20 in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup.

Myler scored a try and an innovative drop goal as Leeds were made to dig deep for the result as Widnes came close to pulling off a shock comeback. Brian McDermott's side only led 11-4 at the break, but three quickfire tries from Matt Whitley, Alex Gerrard and Charley Runciman were nearly enough to turn the tables on the Rhinos.

Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 key dates:

• Third Round (Super League clubs enter) – Feb 6-8
• Fourth Round (last 16) – March 14-15
• Quarter Finals – April 11-12
• Semi Finals – May 9/10
• Final – Saturday May 30

It's Betfred Challenge Cup Finals Day at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 30 May 2026. Book your tickets here today and enjoy our early bird prices!