CHALLENGE Cup holders Leigh Leopards, one of 12 Super League clubs to join four from the Championship in the hat, will begin their defence against Featherstone Rovers.

The draw for Round 6 of the Men’s Betfred Challenge Cup was made earlier this evening at the BBC’s MediaCity HQ in Salford.

Head coach Adrian Lam, who guided Leigh to their first major trophy in 52 years, said: “I’m really pleased that we’ve got a home draw, I don’t think in all my years here that I’ve had a Challenge Cup tie at Leigh Sports Village so I’m looking forward to it.

"We’ve had some big clashes against Featherstone Rovers when we were in the Championship, and I know they’ll also be relishing coming to us so I think it will be a great game.”

Former Super League star Iestyn Harris, who led Leeds Rhinos to Challenge Cup glory against London Broncos at Wembley Stadium 25 years ago, was in the Sportsday studio to conduct the draw – and his former club will face St Helens who they meet this Friday in the Betfred Super League (15 March).

Record holders Wigan Warriors will host Sheffield Eagles – who famously caused an upset in their one and only Challenge Cup Final appearance in 1998 with Head Coach Mark Aston the Lance Todd Trophy winner that day.

Batley Bulldogs, the first winners of the cup in 1897, will welcome back their former coach Craig Lingard to the Fox’s Biscuits Stadium in his new position with Castleford Tigers.

Last year’s runners up Hull KR have a tough home tie against a Salford Red Devils team who have won their last three Super League fixtures.

Round 6 draw (ties to take place over the weekend of 23/24 March).

Hull KR v Salford Red Devils.

Wigan Warriors v Sheffield Eagles.

Batley Bulldogs v Castleford Tigers.

Leigh Leopards v Featherstone Rovers.

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens.

Warrington Wolves v London Broncos.

Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC.

Halifax Panthers v Catalans Dragons.

Fixture dates, kick off times and live broadcast details will be confirmed as early as possible.