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Draw made for Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup

Rochdale Hornets' wheelchair team will host Edinburgh Giants in the Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup round of 16.

The Wheelchair Challenge Cup draw took place on Monday afternoon at the DIY Kitchens Stadium, Wakefield, marking the start of another exciting season of wheelchair rugby league.

For the first time ever, the draw included both Super League teams and Championship Clubs, creating a 16-team seeded draw. This expansion reflects the continued growth of the wheelchair game and promises a highly competitive opening round, with clubs from across the wheelchair rugby league pyramid set to compete for one of the sport’s most prestigious honours.

Following the draw, teams now have a clear path to the end of the competition, with the hunt for a place in the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Final, starting on Saturday 28 February when first round ties will take place.

Looking to make it back to the final in 2026 are Halifax Panthers, who in 2025 marked their path for the treble by beating the London Roosters in a blockbuster battle which saw them take home the Wheelchair Challenge Cup trophy.

The Panthers were re-joined by hometown hero Jack Brown, who was the Player of the Match and combined with the reigning World Wheelchair Rugby League Player of the Year, Rob Hawkins, who scored 22 of the Panthers’ points from two tries and seven goals.

Betfred Wheelchair Challenge Cup round of 16 draw: