Hull KR and Catalans Betfred Challenge Cup clashes to be streamed live on The Sportsman

Hull KR and Catalans Dragons will be the star attractions in the Betfred Challenge Cup when The Sportsman’s live and exclusive coverage of the prestigious knockout competition continues on third-round weekend.

The Betfred Super League’s 12 clubs make their season debuts at this stage of the tournament, with each seeded to play against opponents from the Betfred Championship, Betfred League 1 or the community game.

And on Friday, February 7, the 2023 Wembley finalists Hull KR will be the prized opposition for the winners of the second-round clash between Keighley Cougars and York Knights, which itself is live on The Sportsman this Sunday afternoon (15:00 kick-off).

Then on Saturday, February 8, the Catalans Dragons, who made history when lifting the trophy in 2018, will make the trip from the south of France to The Shay to take on five-time Challenge Cup holders Halifax Panthers.

To celebrate reaching 20,000 subscribers on their dedicated Rugby League YouTube channel, The Sportsman will be giving viewers of both games the chance to win a pair of tickets to the Betfred Challenge Cup finals day at Wembley Stadium in June (competition details to follow).

This Sunday's clash at Cougar Park could set up a rematch of the recent Amsterdam Challenge in which York ran out 26-12 winners against their Super League counterparts Hull KR in the Dutch capital. Alternatively, the Cougars are looking to recapture the magic of their 2023 cup run, which saw them advance all the way to the fifth round.

Meanwhile, Halifax, who have appointed Kyle Eastmond as their head coach for 2025, will be facing Steve McNamara’s Catalans in the cup for the second consecutive season, having been knocked out by the Dragons at the sixth-round stage last year.

It will be a first appearance on The Sportsman for the Dragons’ running team, although the Catalans' star-studded wheelchair team have previously featured. And with the coverage available worldwide, it’s a first chance this year for their fans in Perpignan and beyond to watch McNamara’s new-look team.

The Panthers tasted Wembley glory in 2023, winning the 1895 Cup, and now go in search of a memorable giant-killing against the Dragons.

Both games will be available to watch for free, on The Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel.

You can read all our latest Rugby League Betting Tips at our dedicated Betfred Insights Rugby League content hub.