Challenge Cup: Featherstone Rovers to host Bradford Bulls, Dewsbury Rams travel to Whitehaven as Halifax Panthers take on Batley Bulldogs in all-Yorkshire affair

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 03/02/2021 - Rugby League - Betfred Challenge Cup Sponsorship - Red Hall, Leeds, England - The Rugby League Betfred Challenge Cup.

CHAMPIONSHIP clubs have discovered their first opponents of the 2021 campaign.

The first and seconds rounds of the Challenge Cup were drawn on Thursday evening, with the competition marking a return to action for clubs outside of Super League.

The first round will be played on March 21, with the second round to follow a week later before the start of the Championship season on April 2.

Dewsbury Rams face a trip to Cumbria as they take on Whitehaven in an all-Championship affair.

Halifax Panthers will host Batley Bulldogs in a Yorkshire derby while Featherstone Rovers will host Bradford Bulls. The pair previously met in the early rounds of the 2019 competition.

In the second round, Featherstone or Bradford will face Halifax or Bradford while Dewsbury or Whitehaven will take on West Wales Radiers - one of three League 1 sides in the draw - or Widnes Vikings.