Leeds Rhinos begin their Betfred Challenge Cup campaign on the road this weekend as Brad Arrhur's side take on Widnes Vikings at the DCBL Stadium on Saturday 6th February, kick off 3pm.

One week out from the start of the Super League season, the Rhinos can get 2026 off to a winning start as they look to book their place in the fourth round of the Cup. Widnes can spoil the party should they come away victorious in round three as the seven-time Cup winners look to book their place in the next round for the fourth successive year.

Here's your match preview:

Opposition Profile

Name: Widnes Vikings

Division: Betfred Championship

Founded: 1875

Stadium: DCBL Stadium

Head Coach: Allan Coleman

2025 League Finish: 7th

2025 Cup Finish: Round Four (Lost 26-16 vs Warrington)

2026 Top Try Scorer: Mike Butt, Sam Wilde, Matty Fozard, Nathan Connell (3 tries)

2026 Top Points Scorer: Jordan Abdull (28 points)

Head to head

Up until this Saturday's game, only Swinton have faced Widnes more times in the Challenge Cup than Leeds, who have faced off with the Vikings 18 times previously.

Leeds Wins: 8

Widnes Wins: 9

Draws: 1

Leeds total points scored: 205

Widnes total points scored: 228

Challenge Cup Records

Widnes Challenge Cup Final wins: 7 (1930, 1937, 1964, 1975, 1979, 1981, 1984)

Leeds Challenge Cup Final wins: 14 (1909-10, 1922-23, 1931-32, 1935-36, 1940-41, 1941-42, 1956-57, 1967-68, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1999, 2014, 2015, 2020)

Last Challenge Cup Clash vs Leeds

Round Two Recap

Widnes ensured their name was in the hat for the third round as they walked out 76-0 victors against Thatto Heath in round two. Mike Butt led the try scoring with three tries, whilst Nathan Connell, Joe Edge, Matty Fozard and Sam Wilde all scored two each.

More information

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.

Ticket prices are £15 for adults, £12 for concessions, and free for Under-5s and Under-16s season members (£5 for juniors aged between 5 and 18).

Head over to tickets.therhinos.co.uk to get your tickets.