Paul Rowley will take charge of his first competitive fixture as head coach of St. Helens when they travel to Workington on Friday night.
The 2026 Betfred Challenge Cup third round tie will kick off at 7.30pm at the Fibrus Community Stadium (Derwent Park).
It is the same ground that they played their inaugural Super League fixture 30 years ago in 1996 where they won the double.
It’s also 30 years since the last meeting between the two sides.
Saints announced Rowley as new head coach in October last year, so this fixture has long been anticipated.
Rowley had been head coach of Salford Red Devils since the beginning of the 2022 campaign, leading them to two play-off finishes under his management.
Friday’s match will be a good indicator of the direction Saints are taking under Rowley ahead of the upcoming Super League season starting next weekend.
They will begin their league season next Friday away at Warrington Wolves.
Workington Town progressed in the second round by beating St. Helens’ community club Blackbrook ARLFC 28-6.
Workington have submitted plans for a new stadium, so this could be the final time St Helens visit Derwent Park.
But for supporters not making the journey to Cumbria on Friday night, the game is being broadcast live on The Sportsman Rugby League YouTube channel from 7:15pm.
(Featured pic courtesy of St Helens RFC)
