The 2026 season officially gets underway this afternoon as Leeds Rhinos open their year with an away visit to the DCBL Stadium to take on Widnes Vikings, kick off 3pm.

Here's all the information you need to know before kick off:

Leeds' previous round three game

Team news

Widnes Vikings

? Your Vikings squad for Saturday's @TheChallengeCup clash with @leedsrhinos brought to you by @motorpoint!

? Full Squad News ? https://t.co/7XqSy6r466#InOurDNA pic.twitter.com/fnSlnvf8hi

— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) February 5, 2026

Leeds Rhinos

Leeds Rhinos Head Coach Brad Arthur has named his 21 man squad for this Saturday's game at Widnes Vikings in the Betfred Challenge Cup Third Round, kick 3pm.
More here https://t.co/YSCXCefUum pic.twitter.com/ov9KInV14t

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) February 5, 2026

Can't be at the game? Watch live!

The Sportsman brings exclusive coverage of Saturday's game against the Vikings right into your home. Click below or head to The Sportsman YouTube channel to start watching.

Challenge Cup Form

Last Ten Cup Outings

Widnes Vikings

Won: Six

Lost: Four

Points Scored: 338

Points Conceded: 182

Best finish in the last ten years: Quarter Finalists (2016)

Leeds Rhinos

Won: Four

Lost: Six

Points Scored: 273

Points Conceded: 196

Best finish in the last ten years: Winners (2020)

Elsewhere in the Cup...

Here's how the rest of round three lines up this weekend:

Saturday Fixtures

Doncaster vs Castleford Tigers

Barrow Raiders vs York RLFC Knights

North Wales Crusaders vs Leigh Leopards

Sunday Fixtures

Batley Bulldogs vs Catalans Dragons

Swinton Lions vs Wakefield Trinity

Rochdale Hornets vs Wigan Warriors

London Broncos vs Bradford Bulls

Halifax Panthers vs Goole Vikings

Oldham vs Dewsbury Rams

Keighley Cougars vs Midlands Hurricanes

Friday's Matchups

Hunslet vs Huddersfield Giants

Workington Town vs St Helens

Sheffield Eagles vs Warrington Wolves

Lock Lane vs Hull KR

Salford vs Hull FC