Image source, SWPix

Those doomsayers preaching that the historic Challenge Cup has lost its sparkle clearly failed to get their message across to Goole Vikings.

Rugby league's newest professional club are making their return to the oldest domestic knock-out competition in the game for the first time since the 1930s, and the buzz is tangible.

Led by head coach Scott Taylor, himself a three-time winner as a player, the Vikings are headed for the capital in their first professional outing, to face 1999 finalists London Broncos in round two.

"It's my first time as a professional head coach, it's exciting for the team and the club, we've all worked really hard up to now," Taylor told BBC Sport.

"It's a special moment, it'll be some of my players' biggest game of their careers so far. I'm just trying to pass on my experience and the magic of the cup."

Read the full piece here.

The first round brought some late drama live on BBC Sport as Waterhead Warriors sealed a late golden-point win after their opponents, Leigh Miners Rangers, believed they had themselves sealed victory.

Hopefully the second round brings as much excitement as Championship side London Broncos host League One's latest additions, Goole Vikings, who have been accepted into the division for the start of the 2025 season and will play their first ever Challenge Cup tie this weekend. They are led former Hull KR, Hull FC, Wigan and England prop Scott Taylor, who'll be sure to include some familiar Super League faces in the squad for Saturday.

Their opponents, London Broncos, were runners-up in the competition in 1999, suffering a heavy 52-16 defeat to Leeds Rhinos in the last final at the original Wembley Stadium before it was redeveloped. The Broncos played in the Super League in 2024, but struggled in the top flight losing ten consecutive games to start the season and were eventually relegated back to the Championship through the IMG grading system.

The Challenge Cup has a new format in 2025, with all 12 Super League clubs entering at the third-round stage early - see the full third-round draw here.

BBC iPlayer

You can watch live coverage of the Challenge Cup first round match between London Broncos and Goole Vikings on BBC iPlayer, the Red Button and the BBC Sport website and app. You can also catch-up on the action for up to 30 days on BBC iPlayer.

Saturday 25th FebruaryLondon Broncos v Goole Vikings, 12:20-14:15 GMT - BBC iPlayer, Red Button and the BBC Sport website and app.

BBC Sport

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