2022 Challenge Cup
# 2022 Challenge Cup

The 2022 Challenge Cup, known for sponsorship reasons as the 2022 Betfred Challenge Cup, was the 121st edition of the Challenge Cup, the main rugby league knockout cup tournament in British rugby league run by the Rugby Football League (RFL). It started on 15 January 2022 and ended, with the final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 28 May.

St Helens were the defending champions going into 2022, but they were eliminated in the semi-final by Wigan Warriors, who went on to win the Final, by narrowly defeating Huddersfield Giants 16-14.

## Background

The competition started on 14 January and concluded with the final on 28 May. Traditionally the Challenge Cup final is held at Wembley Stadium in London. Due to scheduling conflicts between Wembley and the RFL due to a BBC request to play the final earlier in the year in May, it was announced that the 2022 Challenge Cup Final would be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The RFL stated that the final would return to Wembley in 2023. The RFL 1895 Cup would also be played for alongside the Challenge Cup.

All professional RFL member clubs were invited to participate as well as a number of invited amateur teams including teams representing the British Armed forces and police forces. This year it was announced that the Super League's Toulouse Olympique, who are not members of the RFL but are invited to take part in the Challenge Cup, had declined their invitation and would not participate. Newly formed Cornwall R.L.F.C. who played in RFL League 1 also decided not to enter the competition.

St Helens were the defending champions going into 2022, however, they were eliminated in the semi final, narrowly losing to Wigan Warriors 18–20.

A new television deal with the BBC came into effect this year, with coverage of more matches of later rounds as well as providing digital coverage of earlier rounds. The Sportsman continued its involvement in streaming games that started in 2021 and the RFL streamed some matches on its own streaming service, Our League. Premier Sports also broadcast a number of cup game as part of the broadcast deal signed with the RFL in October 2021.

### Format and dates

Challenge Cup competition format :

| Round | Date | Clubs involved this round | Winners from previous round | New entries this round | Leagues entering at this round |
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Round 1 | 14–16 January | 28 | None | 28 | 28 UK based community league teams |
| Round 2 | 29–30 January | 24 | 14 | 10 | 10 teams from League One |
| Round 3 | 12–13 February | 12 | 12 | None | None |
| Round 4 | 26–28 February | 20 | 6 | 14 | All teams from the Championship |
| Round 5 | 12–14 March | 10 | 10 | None |
| Round 6 | 25–27 March | 16 | 5 | 11 | 11 teams from the Super League |
| Quarter-finals | 8–10 April | 8 | 8 | None | None |
| Semi-finals | 7 May | 4 | 4 |
| Final | 28 May | 2 | 2 |

## First round

The draw for the first round was made at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and ties were played over the weekend of 14–16 January 2022.

Challenge Cup round 1 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Upholland Bears | 00–60 | Royal Navy | 14 January 2022, 19:00 | Brynglas Field, Pyle | K. Young | — |
| Orrell St James | 10–18 | British Army | 15 January 2022, 12:30 | Bankes Avenue, Orrell | M. Lynn | — |
| London Chargers | 22–16 | Ellenborough Rangers | 15 January 2022, 13:00 | Dukes Meadows, Chiswick | W. Gilder | — |
| West Hull | 46–60 | Upton | 15 January 2022, 13:30 | North Road, Hull | J. Covell-Wood | — |
| Edinburgh Eagles | 24–38 | York Acorn | 15 January 2022, 13:30 | Royal High School, Edinburgh | L. Fenton | — |
| Thornhill Trojans | 24–60 | Royal Air Force | 15 January 2022, 13:30 | Overthorpe Park, Thornhill | S. Ellis | — |
| Featherstone Lions | 06–56 | Hunslet Club Parkside | 15 January 2022, 14:00 | Millpond Stadium, Featherstone | R. Stansfield | — |
| Jarrow Vikings | 10–52 | Wests Warriors | 15 January 2022, 14:00 | Kingston Park, Newcastle | T. Gibbs | — |
| Lock Lane | 18–10 | Thatto Heath Crusaders | 15 January 2022, 14:00 | Lock Lane Sports Centre, Castleford | F. Lincoln | — |
| Siddal | 28–00 | Great Britain Police | 15 January 2022, 14:00 | Exley Lane, Halifax | R. Johnson | — |
| Rochdale Mayfield | 36–22 | Wigan St Pats | 15 January 2022, 14:15 | Mayfield Sports Centre, Rochdale | A. Billington | — |
| Leigh Miners Rangers | 22–20 | Milford | 15 January 2022, 14:30 | Twist Lane, Leigh | R. Cox | — |
| Galway Tribesmen | 10–36 | Pilkington Recs | 15 January 2022, 14:30 | Ruskin Drive, St Helens | D. Arnold | — |
| Bentley | 16–22 | Stanningley | 16 January 2022, 14:00 | Brunel Rd, Cusworth | C. Beevers | — |
| Source: |||||||

## Second round

The draw for the second round was made at the same time at the first. Ties were played over the weekend of 29–30 January 2022. This round sees sides from the League 1 enter.

Challenge Cup round 2 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| York Acorn | 28–10 | Wests Warriors | 29 January 2022, 13:30 | Thanet Road | A. Johnson | 250 |
| British Army | 0010–14 | Royal Navy | 29 January 2022, 14:00 | Aldershot Military Stadium | M. Lynn | 500 |
| Hunslet Club Parkside | 22–12 | Stanningley | 29 January 2022, 14:00 | Hillidge Road | M. Clayton | 550 |
| West Hull | 16–18 | Rochdale Mayfield | 29 January 2022, 14:00 | West Hull Community Park | A. Sweet | 400 |
| Leigh Miners Rangers | 08–40 | North Wales Crusaders | 29 January 2022, 14:30 | Twist Lane | K. Moore | — |
| Pilkington Recs | 10–32 | Siddal | 29 January 2022, 14:30 | Ruskin Drive | M. Mannifield | 300 |
| London Skolars | 40–22 | London Chargers | 29 January 2022, 15:30 | New River Stadium | M. Rossleigh | 280 |
| Rochdale Hornets | 36–16 | Midlands Hurricanes | 30 January 2022, 13:00 | Spotland Stadium | L. Rush | 688 |
| Doncaster | 24–60 | Thornhill | 30 January 2022, 15:00 | Keepmoat Stadium | L. Bland | 618 |
| Hunslet | 22–60 | Keighley Cougars | 30 January 2022, 15:00 | South Leeds Stadium | C. Worsley | 637 |
| West Wales Raiders | 00–96 | Swinton Lions | 30 January 2022, 15:00 | Stebonheath Park | J. Jones | 312 |
| Oldham | 12–22 | Lock Lane | 30 January 2022, 18:00 | Whitebank Stadium | B. Milligan | 361 |
| Source: |||||||

## Third round

The draw for the third round was made on 1 February. Ties were played over the weekend of 12–13 February 2022.

Challenge Cup round 3 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Rochdale Mayfield | 00–20 | Doncaster | 12 February 2022, 14:00 | Mayfield Sports Centre, Rochdale | B. Milligan | 420 |
| Lock Lane | 12–28 | Rochdale Hornets | 12 February 2022, 14:30 | Lock Lane Sports Centre, Castleford | M. Mannifield | 500 |
| London Skolars | 06–28 | Hunslet Club Parkside | 12 February 2022, 15:30 | New River Stadium | J. Jones | 130 |
| Royal Navy | 22–80 | York Acorn | 12 February 2022, 16:00 | United Services Recreation Ground | M. Rossleigh | 300 |
| Hunslet | 30–40 | Siddal | 13 February 2022, 13:00 | South Leeds Stadium | A. Sweet | 651 |
| Swinton Lions | 14–20 | North Wales Crusaders | 13 February 2022, 15:00 | Heywood Road | L. Rush | 516 |
| Source: |||||||

## Fourth round

The draw for the fourth round was made at the same time at the third. Ties were played over the weekend of 26–28 February 2022. This round saw sides from the Championship enter.

Challenge Cup round 4 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| North Wales Crusaders | 30–80 | Hunslet | 26 February 2022; 14:00 | Paton Field | M. Smaill | 452 |
| Batley Bulldogs | 66–60 | Royal Navy | 27 February 2022; 13:00 | Mount Pleasant | L. Rush | 1,271 |
| Doncaster | 00–60 | Whitehaven | 27 February 2022; 14:00 | Keepmoat Stadium | M. Rossleigh | 544 |
| Hunslet Club Parkside | 20–40 | Sheffield Eagles | 27 February 2022; 14:00 | South Leeds Stadium | B. Milligan | 450 |
| Workington Town | 26–12 | Dewsbury Rams | 27 February 2022; 14:00 | Derwent Park | B. Thaler | 872 |
| Halifax Panthers | 16–29 | Featherstone Rovers | 27 February 2022; 15:00 | The Mbi Shay | M. Griffiths | 1,625 |
| London Broncos | 08–34 | Bradford Bulls | 27 February 2022; 15:00 | Plough Lane | N. Bennett | 551 |
| Rochdale Hornets | 12–38 | Barrow Raiders | 27 February 2022; 15:00 | Spotland Stadium | C. Worsley | 515 |
| York City Knights | 42–13 | Newcastle Thunder | 27 February 2022; 15:00 | York Community Stadium | S. Mikalauskas | 1,221 |
| Leigh Centurions | 38–40 | Widnes Vikings | 28 February 2022; 19:45 | Leigh Sports Village | J. Child | 2,567 |
| Source: |||||||

## Fifth round

The draw for the fifth round was made on 28 February at the conclusion of the tie between Leigh and Widnes. Ties were played over the weekend of 12–14 March 2022.

Challenge Cup round 5 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| North Wales Crusaders | 30–50 | Sheffield Eagles | 12 March 2022, 13:30 | Eirias Stadium | L. Rush | 330 |
| Barrow Raiders | 32–18 | Workington Town | 13 March 2022, 13:00 | Craven Park | B. Thaler | 1,825 |
| Batley Bulldogs | 20–54 | Featherstone Rovers | 13 March 2022, 15:00 | Mount Pleasant | J. Vella | 1,003 |
| Whitehaven | 38–12 | York City Knights | 13 March 2022, 15:00 | Recreation Ground | A. Moore | 798 |
| Bradford Bulls | 16–20 | Leigh Centurions | 14 March 2022, 19:45 | Odsal Stadium | M. Griffiths | 1,221 |
| Source: |||||||

## Sixth round

The draw for the sixth round was made on 14 March 2022, at Elland Road, Leeds. Ties were played over the weekend of 25–27 March 2022.

Challenge Cup round 6 fixtures :

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Wigan Warriors | 20–00 | Salford Red Devils | 25 March 2022, 19:35 | DW Stadium | R. Hicks | 6,005 |
| Sheffield Eagles | 12–58 | Hull FC | 26 March 2022, 14:00 | Post Office Road | J. Child | 1,039 |
| Whitehaven | 04–46 | St Helens | 26 March 2022, 14:00 | Recreation Ground | T. Grant | 4,869 |
| Catalans Dragons | 27–14 | Featherstone Rovers | 26 March 2022, 14:30 | Stade Gilbert Brutus | C. Kendall | 3,624 |
| Hull KR | 24–18 | Leigh Centurions | 26 March 2022, 15:00 | Craven Park | A. Moore | 3,088 |
| Leeds Rhinos | 16–40 | Castleford Tigers | 26 March 2022, 16:30 | Headingley | L. Moore | 5,122 |
| Warrington Wolves | 12–16 | Wakefield Trinity | 27 March 2022, 14:00 | Halliwell Jones Stadium | J. Smith | 2,627 |
| Barrow Raiders | 16–30 | Huddersfield Giants | 27 March 2022, 16:30 | Craven Park | M. Griffiths | 3,135 |
| Source: |||||||

## Quarter-finals

The draw for the quarter-finals was made during the half-time broadcast of the sixth-round match between Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers. The draw was hosted by Tanya Arnold, and the teams were drawn by Robbie Hunter-Paul, and John Kear. Ties were played over the weekend of 8–10 April 2022.

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Hull KR | 34–10 | Castleford Tigers | 8 April 2022, 19:45 | Hull College Craven Park | R. Hicks | |
| Catalans Dragons | 20–36 | St Helens | 9 April 2022, 14:30 | Stade Gilbert Brutus | C. Kendall | 8,624 |
| Huddersfield Giants | 24–16 | Hull FC | 9 April 2022, 17:00 | John Smiths Stadium | L. Moore | 3,637 |
| Wakefield Trinity | 06–36 | Wigan Warriors | 10 April 2022, 14:30 | Be Well Support Stadium | J. Child | 3,756 |
| Source: |||||||

## Semi-finals

The draw for the semi-finals was made on 10 April. The ties were both played at Elland Road, Leeds on 7 May. They formed a triple-header with the final of the 2022 Women's Challenge Cup.

| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Team 1 | Score | Team 2 | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Wigan Warriors | 20–18 | St Helens | 7 May 2022, 14:30 | Elland Road | J. Child | 22,141 |
| Huddersfield Giants | 25–40 | Hull KR | 7 May 2022, 17:00 | Elland Road | L. Moore | 22,141 |
| Source: |||||||

## Final

The final of the 2022 Challenge Cup took place on 28 May at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

| Home | Score | Away | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information | Match Information |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Home | Score | Away | Date and Time | Venue | Referee | Attendance |
| Wigan Warriors | 16–14 | Huddersfield Giants | 28 May 2022, 15:00 | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | James Child | 51,628 |
| Source: |||||||

Huddersfield second row forward, Chris McQueen was named winner of the Lance Todd Trophy.

## Broadcast matches

Broadcast matches :

| Round | Match | Date | Broadcast method |
| - | - | - | - |
| 1st | Orrell St James v British Army | 15 January 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer |
| 1st | Rochdale Mayfield v Wigan St Patricks | 15 January 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 1st | Bentley v Stanningley | 16 January 2022 | Streamed live on Our League |
| 2nd | British Army v Royal Navy | 29 January 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 2nd | Rochdale Hornets v Midlands Hurricanes | 30 January 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Red Button and on BBC iPlayer |
| 2nd | Oldham v Lock Lane | 30 January 2022 | Streamed live on Our League |
| 3rd | Lock Lane v Rochdale Hornets | 12 February 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 3rd | Royal Navy v York Acorn | 12 February 2022 | Streamed live on Our League |
| 3rd | Hunslet v Siddal | 13 February 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Red Button and BBC iPlayer |
| 4th | Batley Bulldogs v Royal Navy | 27 February 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Sport and on BBC iPlayer |
| 4th | York City Knights v Newcastle Thunder | 27 February 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 4th | Leigh Centurions v Widnes Vikings | 28 February 2022 | Broadcast live on Premier Sports |
| 5th | North Wales Crusaders v Sheffield Eagles | 12 March 2022 | Streamed live on Our League |
| 5th | Barrow Raiders v Workington Town | 13 March 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Sport and on BBC iPlayer |
| 5th | Batley Bulldogs v Featherstone Rovers | 13 March 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 5th | Bradford Bulls v Leigh Centurions | 14 March 2022 | Broadcast live on Premier Sports |
| 6th | Wigan Warriors v Salford Red Devils | 25 March 2022 | Streamed live on Premier Sports |
| 6th | Whitehaven v St Helens | 26 March 2022 | Streamed live on The Sportsman |
| 6th | Leeds Rhinos v Castleford Tigers | 26 March 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Two |
| 6th | Warrington Wolves v Wakefield Trinity | 27 March 2022 | Streamed live on Premier Sports |
| 6th | Barrow Raiders v Huddersfield Giants | 27 March 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Two |
| QF | Hull KR v Castleford Tigers | 8 April 2022 | Streamed live on Premier Sports |
| QF | Catalans Dragons v St Helens | 9 April 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC One |
| QF | Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC | 9 April 2022 | Streamed live on Premier Sports |
| QF | Wakefield Trinity v Wigan Warriors | 10 April 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Two |
| SF | Wigan Warriors v St Helens | 7 May 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC One |
| SF | Hull KR v Huddersfield Giants | 7 May 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC Two |
| F | Wigan Warriors v Huddersfield Giants | 28 May 2022 | Broadcast live on BBC One |
