This Saturday sees Leeds Rhinos take on Widnes Vikings for the first time in eight years as both clubs go head-to-head to book their place in the fourth-round draw of this year's Betfred Challenge Cup competition, kick off 3pm.

Whilst the game will be Leeds' first of the 2026 season, Widnes are already three games into their campaign which has begun with two wins across the League and Championship competition. Alongside their Cup triumph over Thatto Heath, Allan Coleman's side got their first win of the league season when North Wales Crusaders were defeated 28-14.

Here's a look closer look at the Vikings:

Notable names

Jack Owens

Vikings skipper Owens is one of a handful of Vikings players who featured for the club when it was in the Super League.

The outside back took the competition by storm in 2013 when he scored eight tries and kicked 67 goals in 20 games and was swooped upon by St Helens, where he spent two seasons in 2016 and 2017. After a spell with Leigh in 2018 following the club's relegation from Super League, he was back at the Vikings in 2019 and has been a key figure in the side for the last seven years.

In total, he has 207 appearances for the Vikings - accumulating to a wider total of 284 senior games - and has scored 89 tries and 1,177 points in Widnes colours. He also takes on a Leeds team he has only beaten twice in seven meetings previously.

Jordan Abdull

Half back Abdull found a landing spot for 2026 at the Vikings after spending a year off the field following Hull FC release of him from his contract.

The former Hull FC, Hull KR and London player rose up the ranks due to his terrorising kicking game, which Hull KR utilised between 2020 and 2023 when the club started to show their threat as potential Super League champions.

He was signed by Catalans in 2024 and played 16 games before moving back to the UK for a second spell with Hull, but was released prior to the season starting. Now back on the field with the Vikings, Abdull has started all three games so far this campaign as one of the most experienced names in the Widnes team. He has 14 goals in 21 attempts.

Sam Wilde

Sam Wilde is one of eight recruits brought into the fold along with Abdull, as the former North Wales forward returns to Widnes after one season away.

A product of Warrington Wolves' Academy system, he accumulated 21 Super League games across the 2015, 2016 and 2017 seasons whilst playing for Rochdale, London and Widnes on loan. His move to the Vikings was permanent in 2018, where he faced the Rhinos three times that season (including the Cup clash in May). Split by spells at Newcastle Thunder and Crusaders last season, he has 144 total games for Widnes and 44 tries.

Frank Sergent

One of the young stars to watch out for in the Vikings camp is former Warrington Academy winger Frank Sergent, who makes the move to a senior team after playing a handful of games for Swinton in 2025.

First signing for the Wolves from Leigh Miners Rangers, Sergent was integral to the Wolves Reserves' Grand Final run last year

2026 so far...

Widnes' sole 

Leeds ? Widnes in the Cup

No other team has faced Widnes in the Cup more than Leeds when the two sides run out this weekend, as the sides have a history that spans 18 games.

Widnes won the first two outings back in 1899 and 1934, before Leeds picked up four wins in the sides' next five outings - including the 1977 Challenge Cup Final. 1986 saw the sides need a replay for the first time in their history - Leeds winning 5-0 eventually in the second leg - before the Vikings won the next three.

The clubs' last Cup meeting was eight years ago at the DCBL Stadium, and Leeds managed to sneak away with a 23-20 final score.

Take a look at our top five clashes:

Last time out in the Final

Leeds and WIdnes' only Cup final outing came back in 1977 as both sides ran out at Wembley.

Leeds came out victorious in their first final outing since 1972 as Kevin Dick led the way with a try, three goals and a drop goal in the 16-7 win. Les Dyl and John Atkinson also crossed the try line as the Cup came home to Headingley.

More information

Ticket and travel information is available for Saturday's clash with the Vikings in the Cup.

Tickets are priced at:

Adults - £15

Senior Citizens (aged 65+) - £12

Juniors (aged 5 to 18) - £5

Leeds Rhinos Junior Season Members (aged 16 and under) - Free. 2026 Leeds Rhinos Season Members can claim this online by logging in before selecting tickets and then allocating the ticket to a junior season member.

Companion - Free (not available online)

Official Travel is available for this fixture, departing from AMT Headingley Stadium (car park F) at 12pm Travel tickets are priced at £22 per person.