BRADFORD BULLS, the holders, will entertain their Challenge Cup nemesis, St Helens, who have beaten them in three finals since 1996, in the fourth round of this season’s competition. Robbie Paul, the Bradford captain, has targeted the tie for his comeback after he was finally ruled out of the World Club Challenge match against Penrith Panthers on Friday.

Paul is hopeful that a bone graft will ensure that the arm he broke in three places in June is sufficiently strong for him to return against St Helens. That match, and Wigan’s home tie with Widnes Vikings, will form a televised BBC double-header on February 29.

But there was a lack of glamour for the three amateur survivors in last night’s draw. Sharlston Rovers, the Wakefield pit village side, whose defeat of Dewsbury Rams prompted Andy Fisher’s resignation as coach, travel to Oldham, East Hull host Whitehaven and Bradford Dudley Hill meet Batley Bulldogs.

Of the surviving French trio, only Limoux have home advantage, against Halifax. Union Treiziste Catalane face an awkward match away to Castleford Tigers, and Pia also face Super League opponents in Huddersfield Giants. Tony Smith, the new Leeds Rhinos coach, takes last year’s finalists to Workington Town, and London Broncos meet Salford City Reds in a third all-Super League encounter.

Bradford earlier named an 18-man squad to face Penrith. Lee Radford is expected to take over the goalkicking duties from Paul Deacon, who misses out because of a detached retina. Brian Noble, the coach, confirmed that 21-year-old Aaron Smith will start at hooker after the retirement of James Lowes.

CHALLENGE CUP: Fourth-round draw: Hunslet v Doncaster; Oldham v Sharlston Rovers; Wigan v Widnes; Workington v Leeds; East Hull v Whitehaven; Limoux v Halifax; Rochdale v Warrington; Huddersfield v Pia; Sheffield Eagles v York; Castleford v Union Treiziste Catalane; London Skolars v Featherstone; Bradford Dudley Hill v Batley; Bradford v St Helens; Chorley v Wakefield; Leigh v Hull; London Broncos v Salford.

Ties to be played on weekend of Feb 28-29.