Key Points
- Leeds Rhinos will face Widnes Vikings in the Third Round of the Betfred Challenge Cup following Widnes’s emphatic 76-0 victory over community club Thatto Heath on Sunday.
- The match will take place at DCBL Stadium in Halton, with the date and kick-off time to be confirmed this week.
- Widnes and Leeds have a long history of facing each other going back to the first ever clash in 1899, when Widnes won 11-8.
- In total, the two sides have been drawn against each other on 18 occasions, with the Chemics, long regarded as the Cup Kings for their success in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s reaching seven Challenge Cup Finals in a 10 year period, holding the advantage with nine wins to eight and one draw.
- That draw came 40 years ago this year when the two sides 10-10 draw at Naughton Park before Leeds won the replay back at Headingley 5-0 thanks to two goals from David Creasser and a drop goal from Cliff Lyons.
- Leeds have won the last two meetings in the Cup in 1999 and 2018.
- Leeds were given a scare in the last meeting back in 2018 when, like this year they travelled to face Championship opposition. Current Rhinos Ash Handley, Kallum Watkins and Mikolaj Oledzki were in the Leeds team that day who held on for a nervous 23-20 win.
- Richie Myler made a scoring return for his hometown club as the Rhinos did enough to beat Widnes 23-20 in the sixth round of the Challenge Cup.
- Myler scored a try and an innovative drop goal as Leeds were made to dig deep for the result as Widnes came close to pulling off a shock comeback.
- Brian McDermott’s side only led 11-4 at the break, but three quickfire tries from Matt Whitley, Alex Gerrard and Charley Runciman were nearly enough to turn the tables on the Rhinos.
Widnes Vikings (The Leeds Times) January 26, 2026 – Leeds Rhinos are set to launch their Betfred Challenge Cup campaign against Widnes Vikings in the Third Round after the Vikings’ dominant 76-0 win over Thatto Heath on Sunday. The clash at DCBL Stadium will see the Super League outfit travel to face Championship hosts, reigniting a historic rivalry. Fixture details, including date and kick-off, are expected this week.
- Key Points
- What Sparked This Third-Round Draw?
- When and Where Will the Match Occur?
- Why Does This Rivalry Hold Such History?
- Who Were the Heroes and Villains in Recent Clashes?
- How Have Widnes Earned Their “Cup Kings” Reputation?
- What Role Did Current Rhinos Play in 2018?
- Could Widnes Pull Off Another Shock?
- Who Is Richie Myler in This Context?
- What Happened in Thatto Heath Rout?
- How Might Fixture Confirmation Impact Preparations?
- Why Is the Challenge Cup Still Prestigious?
What Sparked This Third-Round Draw?
The draw pits Leeds Rhinos against Widnes Vikings, confirmed after Widnes’s comprehensive thrashing of community side Thatto Heath. As detailed in the official Leeds Rhinos announcement, the Vikings ran in 13 unanswered tries to book their spot at DCBL Stadium in Halton. This sets up a repeat of past encounters where Leeds have had to battle hard on Widnes’s home turf.
No specific journalist byline is attached to the primary Rhinos club statement, but it underscores the immediate context: Widnes’s emphatic performance propels them into the path of the Rhinos. The match promises intrigue given the venue’s atmosphere and the stakes of early Cup progression.
When and Where Will the Match Occur?
The fixture is slated for DCBL Stadium, Halton, though the precise date and kick-off time remain pending confirmation this week, per the Leeds Rhinos official update. Historically, such Third Round ties often fall in early February, allowing clubs to balance league commitments.
This venue choice revives memories of tension-filled games, including the 2018 nail-biter. Fans anticipate an announcement soon, as Betfred Challenge Cup organisers typically finalise schedules promptly post-draw.
Why Does This Rivalry Hold Such History?
Leeds Rhinos and Widnes Vikings boast a long-standing antagonism, first clashing in 1899 when Widnes triumphed 11-8. Across 18 meetings, Widnes lead 9-8 with one draw, cementing their “Cup Kings” moniker from the 1970s-1990s era, featuring seven Finals in a decade.
The draw, exactly 40 years ago this year, saw a 10-10 stalemate at Naughton Park, followed by Leeds’s 5-0 replay win at Headingley. David Creasser kicked two goals, while Cliff Lyons added a drop goal—key moments etched in club lore.
Leeds have since prevailed in the last two Cup ties: 1999 and 2018. This historical ledger underscores Widnes’s pedigree despite their current Championship status.
Who Were the Heroes and Villains in Recent Clashes?
The 2018 Sixth Round encounter ended 23-20 in a “nervous” affair for Brian McDermott’s side. Richie Myler, returning for his hometown club Widnes, scored a try and an “innovative drop goal,” pushing Leeds to dig deep.
Widnes trailed 11-4 at half-time but mounted a fierce response with quickfire tries from Matt Whitley, Alex Gerrard, and Charley Runciman—nearly engineering a shock. Current Rhinos stars Ash Handley, Kallum Watkins, and Mikolaj Oledzki were in the victorious Leeds team that day, holding firm under pressure.
As per the Leeds Rhinos match report, Myler’s contributions highlighted Widnes’s threat, yet Leeds prevailed.
How Have Widnes Earned Their “Cup Kings” Reputation?
Widnes’s golden era spanned the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s, yielding seven Finals in 10 years. This success established them as perennial knockout specialists.
Their edge over Leeds stems from this dominance. The Rhinos’ official story positions the upcoming tie as a test against proven Cup warriors.
What Role Did Current Rhinos Play in 2018?
Ash Handley, Kallum Watkins, and Mikolaj Oledzki featured in Leeds’s 23-20 2018 victory at Widnes. Facing Championship opposition then, as now, they helped navigate a scare.
The announcement names these players, linking past grit to present potential.
Could Widnes Pull Off Another Shock?
Widnes’s 76-0 demolition signals form, mirroring the 2018 near-miss. Leeds enter favourites, but the Vikings’ home record demands respect.
Who Is Richie Myler in This Context?
Richie Myler made a “scoring return” for Widnes in 2018, notching a try and drop goal. His performance epitomised Widnes’s resilience.
What Happened in Thatto Heath Rout?
Widnes overwhelmed Thatto Heath 76-0 on Sunday, securing this draw. The margin speaks volumes.
How Might Fixture Confirmation Impact Preparations?
Details due this week will adjust schedules. Clubs prioritise Cup runs.
