Warriors handed Blackbrook date

Gloucestershire Warriors have been given a home draw against Lancashire Cup holders Blackbrook in the first round of the Powergen Challenge Cup.

The Warriors earned the plum tie by upsetting Illingworth 25-24 in the preliminary round earlier this month.

The first round will take place on 4/5 February, with the final due to take place at the new Wembley on 26 August.

The Rugby Football League expects the final to be 90,000 sell-out, with more than 25,000 tickets already sold.

The first round sees 52 amateur clubs taking part.

National League clubs and three French outfits will enter the competition at the third-round stage, with the 12 Super League clubs joining in the fourth round in April.

Huddersfield's Robbie Paul says the return to Wembley will be an extra incentive this season.

"I know I'll be doing my darnest to get back there," said the Kiwi, who won the Lance Todd Trophy in 1996 after scoring the first Wembley hat-trick of tries for Bradford.

"Even if I'm not there as a player, I'll definitely be there as a supporter. I have tremendous memories of Wembley. My career was made there.

"It's something we have spoken about already at the Giants. Getting there with Huddersfield would be a dream come true."

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First round draw:
Thornhill v Eastmoor
West Bowling v Halton Simms Cross
Bramley v Thatto Heath
Clayton v Warrington W
Royal Navy v Wigan St Patricks
Eccles & Salford v Hunslet
Leigh East v Askam
Shaw Cross v Oldham St Annes
Skirlaugh v Normanton
East Leeds v Milford
Ovenden v Bank Quay
Bradford Dudley Hill v Gateshead
York Acorn v Ince Rose Bridge
Royal Air Force v Siddal
Wigan St Judes v Kells
Walney Central v Ideal Isberg
East Hull v Lock Lane
Leigh Miners v Bransholme
Gloucestershire W v Blackbrook
Seaton v Rochdale M
Barrow Island v Stanley
Crosfields v Oulton R
Wath Brow v Castleford P
Saddleworth v Hull Dockers
Widnes St Maries v St Albans
The Army v West Hull