THE first round draw for rugby league's League One Cup will see the competing teams split into geographical pools - opening the door for expansion clubs to make progress.

York City Knights, finalists last season, are among rugby league heartland teams in the northern section of the draw, which will be made on Tuesday, December 20, from 6.15pm.

There are ten teams in total in that pool, with six in the midlands and southern section.

Kingstone Press League One newcomers Toronto Wolfpack are not involved in this competition, but the 16th place is taken by the 2016 Conference Challenge Trophy winners Rochdale Mayfield.

The final, on Saturday, May 27, again takes place as part of the Championship's Big Bash weekend at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool.

York reached the 2016 final, to be beaten by Keighley Cougars in a thrilling finale.

The eight first round ties will be played over the weekend of February 18-19.

Pool 'A' comprises Barrow Raiders, Doncaster, Hunslet Hawks, Keighley Cougars, Newcastle Thunder, North Wales Crusaders, Rochdale Mayfield (amateurs), Whitehaven, Workington Town and the Knights.

Pool 'B' comprises Coventry Bears, Hemel Stags, London Skolars, Oxford, South Wales Ironmen and University of Gloucestershire All Golds.

Tickets for the final cost from £10 via the RFL ticket office on 0844 856 1113 or by visiting rugby-league.com/tickets