Hull FC will take on lower league opposition in the Challenge Cup.
Ryan Brierley is the CEO of Salford RLFC.(Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC have been drawn against two potential opponents in the Challenge Cup third round. The Black and Whites will face the winner of the second round tie between Hammersmith Hills Hoists and Salford RLFC, to be played next weekend (January 24).
Meanwhile, the third round tie will take place on the weekend of February 6/8 and will launch Hull’s competitive season after two pre-season games against Huddersfield Giants (January 25) and Wigan Warriors (February 1). The Super League opener against Bradford Bulls then follows the cup clash on February 14. Here, Hull Live takes a look at both potential cup opponents.
Hammersmith Hills Hoists
A London-based community club, Hammersmith defeated the Royal Navy 18-4 in Portsmouth last Saturday to set up a round two clash with Salford. The Hills Hoists have featured regularly in the Challenge Cup in recent years, winning three games in last year’s competition against Medway Dragons, West Bowling, and Wests Warriors before losing to Championship outfit Halifax Panthers 50-4 in the fourth round.
Meanwhile, the club were founded in 2008 by a group of travelling Australians and play in navy, green, and gold colours. They are now an established entity in the capital that fields teams in both the Southern Conference League and the local London league. They have won the SCL four times, and are currently the threepeat premiers of the competition.
To date, the Hills Hoists have had players from over 16 different nations represent the club. They play out of Chiswick Rugby Club, located in West London.
Salford RLFC
The phoenix club of Salford Red Devils, who were liquated last month, Salford RLFC were granted RFL membership for the 2026 season after a new consortium led by Mason Caron-Brown was approved to restart rugby league in the city. Since then, it’s been all guns blazing with the club appointing Ryan Brierley as its CEO and Mike Grady as head coach. They have had to launch the club from scratch, acquiring sponsors, new kits, and most importantly, a playing squad.
To date, Salford have 18 players signed up for the 2026 season, including former Hull FC academy and reserves prop Owen Haldenby. At least three players are still to be announced, with the club expected to make some loan signings over the next few days in time for their Championship opener against Oldham on Friday night. On that front, experience is sought after signing a lot of young players, mostly from the Red Devils’ old youth set up.
Like the previous club, Salford RLFC will play their home games at Salford Community Stadium, now called CorpAcq Stadium, meaning it will be a familiar trio for the Black and Whites should the Reds defeat the London club.
The full Challenge Cup third round draw can be found here.