SAINTS will play at Leeds in the last 16 of the Betfred Challenge Cup after the draw was made this evening in Manchester.

It means that Saints have not had a home Challenge Cup draw since the behind closed doors games of 2021.

To add a special twist to the tie the sides meet at Headingley this Friday - so they will be playing each other in back-to-back weeks - something they did in 2002 and 2003 ahead of semi finals.

It is the tie of the round and as such highly likely to be BBC's pick for TV.

There is a very long Challenge Cup history between Saints and the Rhinos/Loiners who fought out Wembley finals in 1972 and 1978 with the sides winning one apiece.

The sides have had numerous semi final battles in the Super League era, including the memorable extra time defeat of 2003.

And going back in time, Saints pulled off a memorable Round 2 victory at Leeds in 1983 when Roy Haggerty's brace helped them march on.

It could lead to a few games of ducks and drakes on Friday when Saints lock horns with Rohan Smith's side at Headingley.

Saints will be without Mark Percival for both of those games after he picked up a two-match ban today. 

Betfred Challenge Cup Round 6 Draw.

Hull KR v Salford.

Wigan Warriors v Sheffield Eagles.

Batley Bulldogs v Castleford.

Leigh v Featherstone.

Leeds Rhinos v St Helens.

Warrington v London Broncos.

Huddersfield Giants v Hull FC.

Halifax v Catalans.

Challenge Cup Round 6 ties will take place over the weekend of 22/23/24 March.