Match Preview | Whitehaven visit tomorrow in Challenge Cup

23/01/2026

The Eagles return to home action on Saturday afternoon for their first fixture at the Steel City Stadium in 2026, as they welcome Whitehaven R.L.F.C. in the second round of the Betfred Challenge Cup.

Craig Lingard’s side will be aiming to build on a positive start to their Betfred Championship campaign after recording an 11–4 victory over the same opponents in last week’s season opener at The Ortus Rec.

Saturday’s cup tie carries significant stakes, with the winner advancing to the third round of the competition. Awaiting the successful side will be a home clash against Betfred Super League opposition, Warrington Wolves, scheduled to take place in two weekends’ time.

For supporters unable to attend in person, the match will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer.

Please see below for all the key information you need ahead of Saturday’s Betfred Challenge Cup clash at the Steel City Stadium.

TICKETS

Match Tickets for Saturday’s game remain on sale, and you’re able to secure your spot for this game now by clicking HERE.

Ticket prices for the game are as follows:

Adults: £15

Concessions: £10

U16’s: £1

 * Please note that we have an open seating plan in place at the Steel City Stadium. People will have the option to be able to sit down or stand up.

 * We strongly ask all supporters to purchase their tickets in advance of the game, by buying online though our online ticketing portal. 

TURNSTILES

Turnstiles will open at 1:30pm. Supporters are encouraged to arrive early to facilitate a smooth entry into the stadium and avoid any delays.

GROUND REGULATIONS

Please take a moment to familiarise yourself with our Ground Regulations before your visit.

Click HERE to read them in full, to help ensure a safe and enjoyable matchday experience for everyone.

PARKING

Supporters attending the game can park in the Worksop Road car park for £5 (card payment only).

Alternatively, street parking is also available in the surrounding area, but please note that this is limited. Supporters are asked to be mindful of residents when parking their vehicles.

CONCESSIONS

The Cafe at The Steel City Stadium will be open for this game from 1:30pm.  Entry is via the turnstiles, then through the side door of the stand. 

If you are looking for food and drink inside the stadium, please visit the concessions stand.

The concessions stall, operated by Steel City Stadium and Food Fusion, will offer a range of hot food options, including a selection of pies with gravy (£5), jacket potatoes with Cheese & Beans, Cheese & Tuna, or Chilli & Cheese (£6.50), and Sausage Rolls (£3).

A selection of flavoured Pringles (£2.60) and chocolate bars (£2) will also be available to purchase.

Drinks on offer include alcoholic options such as Cruzcampo and Inches Cider (both £5) and Strawberry & Lime Rekorderlig (£5.50). Soft drinks include bottled Pepsi, Pepsi Max, and 7Up (all £3), as well as bottled water (£2).

The concessions stand is located on the concourse to your left after entering through the turnstiles.

Please note that all concessions accept card payments only.  

SQUAD SHEETS

For the 2026 season, our 21-man squad sheets make a return for supporters to be able to collect.

Please note that these will be limited in quantity but can be obtained free of charge from our gameday volunteers inside the ground.

KEEP UPDATED WITH THE GAME

If your unable to make it to the Steel City Stadium, then here is a list of ways to keep updated with what’s going on.

- Live Match Updates on X

- Live on BBC IPlayer

- Match Report

- Post-Match Interviews

- Match Highlights on SETV