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 Monday, 27 January, 2003, 17:58 GMT
Warriors handed amateur test

The BBC will screen Wakefield v Castleford (1310 GMT) and Warrington v Bradford (1500 GMT) live on Saturday, 8 February.

Wigan Warriors will begin the defence of their Challenge Cup crown against amateur side Halton Simms Cross.

Kris Radlinski celebrates Wigan's victory in 2002
Kris Radlinski celebrates Wigan's victory in 2002
St Helens, beaten finalists in 2002, will visit Union Treiziste Catalane, the only remaining French side left in the competition.

Wath Brow Hornets, the other amateur team left in the tournament, will entertain Batley.

There are three all-Super League clashes, with Warrington Wolves hosting Bradford Bulls, Castleford Tigers travelling to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats and Halifax RLFC making the journey to Hull FC.

Leeds, semi-finalists for the past two seasons, will host Whitehaven while Super League newcomers Huddersfield visit Hunslet.

Wigan coach Stuart Raper has pledged not to take Widnes-based Halton Simms Cross lightly when the teams meet at the JJB Stadium on Sunday, 9 February.

"We will have to do some research," said the Australian.

"We will take it very seriously and I will have to make sure that we do not underestimate them."

News image
I would rather have had an easier ride but we will be better prepared this time

Bradford captain
Robbie Paul

Wakefield player-coach Adrian Vowles is looking forward to a re-match with his old Castleford team-mates.

"It's a tough task but it should be very interesting," he said.

"Cas made the semis last year in both Super League and the cup so they're favourites but it's good to be at home."

Meanwhile, the famous knockout competition is to undergo a third name change in as many years and will now be known as the Powergen Challenge Cup.

The change follows the �1.37billion takeover of TXU Energi by Powergen, who have pledged their commitment to the three-year sponsorship deal announced last July.


Full draw
Ties will take place on the weekend of 8/9 February 2003

Wigan Warriors v Halton Simms Cross
Sheffield Eagles v Keighley Cougars
Warrington Wolves v Bradford Bulls
Barrow Raiders v Salford City Reds
Wakefield Trinity Wildcats v Castleford Tigers
London Broncos v Oldham
York City Knights v Doncaster Dragons
Hunslet Hawks v Huddersfield Giants
Chorley Lynx v Swinton Lions
UTC v St Helens
Wath Brow Hornets v Batley Bulldogs
Featherstone Rovers v Leigh Centurions
Hull FC v Halifax RLFC
Rochdale Hornets v Hull KR
Widnes Vikings v Dewsbury Rams
Leeds Rhinos v Whitehaven

See also:

25 Jan 03 | Challenge Cup
27 Jan 03 | Challenge Cup
27 Jan 03 | Challenge Cup
Links to more Challenge Cup stories are at the foot of the page.


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Links to more Challenge Cup stories

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