Betfred Challenge Cup 2026 – Preview and betting tips
I’m going to experiment with a new format for this week’s preview, so there’ll be a less in-depth look at each game and more of a general overview.
Friday 13th March
Two all-Super League ties will get this year’s 4th round underway, as Wakefield face Leeds at the DIY Kitchens Stadium and Wigan face Bradford at the Brick Community Stadium.
Wakefield have made just one change to their squad this week, with England international Tom Johnstone returning from injury in place of Mason Lino.
Meanwhile, Leeds have four faces back from last weekend – Brodie Croft, Mikolaj Oledzki, James McDonnell and Jack Bird. If Bird plays, it’ll be his debut after arriving from the NRL a few weeks ago.
Wigan have made just one change to their squad from last weekend, but it’s a big one. Bevan French has been ruled out for around 16 weeks, with Dayon Sambou coming into the squad to replace him.
As for Bradford, Waqa Blake, Loghan Lewis and Eliot Peposhi are ruled out. Cameron Bate, Jamie Gill and Alfie Leake all come in.
Saturday 14th March
The remaining six games in Round 4 will all take place on Saturday, but squads haven’t been announced yet.
York Knights take on Keighley in the early kick-off, while Warrington Wolves face Goole Vikings and Catalans Dragons take on Oldham in the other two Super League vs Championship fixtures.
The other three ties are all-Super League clashes. Huddersfield have a chance to bounce back immediately against Hull KR, after their 32-6 home loss in Super League last weekend, while 2023 cup winners Leigh take on Hull FC.
The final tie of the round sees Castleford Tigers face St Helens at the OneBore Stadium.
Early team news
Hull KR will definitely be without new signing Karl Lawton, who picked up a three-match ban for a cannonball-style tackle on Huddersfield’s Matty English last weekend. English is likely to miss this week’s game as a result as well.
Matt Davis is available again for Leigh after concussion, while Louis Brogan could also return for the Leopards after a long-term injury.
Betting tips
Cup ties are always a minefield, but there’s still some value to be had.
St Helens look a great price at 10/11 with a -10 handicap, while Catalans should be safe with a -36 handicap against lower league Oldham, which is also 10/11.
In the anytime try markets, Leeds’ Maika Sivo has nine in three games, so he should be a shoo-in again this week. Wigan’s Zach Eckerlsey has six in four games, so he looks a good shout too, although don’t expect great odds on either.
