The draw for the Betfred Challenge Cup takes place at 5pm tonight as some clubs prepare for the first rugby league matches they will play in over a year.
However, the draw will have a slightly different feel to it tonight. The early rounds of the competition usually feature community clubs from across the UK. But with the pandemic still causing disruption and the grassroots game currently suspended, this year’s competition will only feature 28 teams.
Here’s everything you need to know as the road to Wembley begins.
Who will be in the draw?
Three League 1 sides will join the Championship’s 13 UK-based teams.
Toulouse Olympique had already confirmed they would not be competing, meanwhile the other League 1 clubs ended up turning down entry due to the need for an extra preliminary round.
The only League 1 clubs taking part in the Challenge Cup this season, will be Barrow Raiders, Keighley Cougars and West Wales Raiders.
How does the draw work?
With the competition taking on a different format, there has been some slight changes.
One significant change tonight will be that the second round draw will also take place.
The first round ties will take place over the weekend of 21st/22nd March, while the second round will take place a week later on 28th/29th March.
When do Super League clubs enter?
Super League clubs will enter in the third round this year. The 12 clubs will be joined by the four teams who advance through the first two rounds.
Those four clubs will then automatically become semi-finalists for the 1895 Cup, with the Final to be played at Wembley on July 17th.
Where can I watch the draw?
The draw takes place tonight on the BBC Sport website. We will also have a live blog to keep you up to speed.
Some games will be streamed on the OurLeague app.
What are the ball numbers?
1 Barrow Raiders
2 Batley Bulldogs
3 Bradford Bulls
4 Dewsbury Rams
5 Featherstone Rovers
6 Halifax Panthers
7 Keighley Cougars
8 London Broncos
9 Newcastle Thunder
10 Oldham
11 Sheffield Eagles
12 Swinton Lions
13 West Wales Raiders
14 Whitehaven
15 Widnes Vikings
16 York City Knights
